I turned 25 a few months ago so I was called to have a smear. I had my first appointment at the start of January with the nurse at my GP surgery - I couldn't tolerate it as it was too painful and I left crying. The nurse was lovely and arranged another appointment (a double one this time) for me to try again.
That appointment was this morning and the same thing happened. The nurse has referred me to colposcopy to see if they can do it with better equipment or pain relief. I took paracetamol before the first appointment which didn't do anything.
I'm just wondering if anyone else has had experiences with colposcopy and what might happen. Thank you x
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FrecklesandFlowers
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Sorry to hear your cervical screening was so painful! They aren't very comfortable at all and I have had some traumatic experiences myself so completely understand!
Did they try you in different positions to try and make it as comfortable as possible? I have asked for the smallest speculum in the past and found it easier placing my hands under my lower back as this can tilt your pelvis and make it easier to see your cervix. Also, being nervous can make it more painful as everything can "tighten up". Were you nervous at all?
I've had colposcopies in the past, however it was due to having HPV for 3 cervical screenings in a row. I've had two in total and they are pretty much the same equipment wise but may be able to put you in a better position as they have different beds.
As I was HPV positive, they placed some dye on my cervix to see if there was any abnormal cells, but if this is your first screening they may not do this. The dye doesn't hurt but can give you odd coloured discharge, so if you do have it don't be alarmed!
I'm hoping it all goes well for you and they can get a good swab!
Thank you that's really helpful! I had the smallest speculum they had but they think the colposcopy unit might have a smaller one. I was only in one position but there probably wasn't much room to do anything else really, it was just a standard GP room bed. I was nervous the first time but not as much today, and tried to focus on my breathing as the nurse said that usually helps. I was expecting it to feel odd if not painful because I've seen on here that other people can't tolerate them either, but I wasn't expecting to cry like I did, I was such a mess!
Oh no, hopefully the colposcopy will be better for you then! I'll be completely honest, i had one particularly bad smear where I screamed in pain and left crying. I feel the nurse wasn't very experienced. So trust me, you are not alone! But I have had 7 in total now and lucky that was the only bad experience!
Hopefully, with a colposcopy they will use a smaller speculum and I feel like they have more experience. Thinking about it, when I had my colposcopies I barely felt the speculum compared to smears. So maybe you will have better luck!
Maybe try some relaxation before it, a bit of mindfulness to try and relax your whole body. If you still have no luck, the doctor may be able to prescribe you with something to relax you prior to your appointment. I feel once you have a bad experience it is harder to relax after! You may have a bit of anxiety going forward, if you do it is okay to ask for extra hep to relax!
Wishing you all the best and hoping you manage to get it done. 🤞🏻
Sorry to hear you’re struggling with this. A friend told me recently you can ask ahead for Valium you just have to let them know before the appointment, she has vaginismus so also struggles but for different reasons.
I find smears and pelvic exams painful. I've only had one smear but due my second one soon. I have the smallest speculum and raise my pelvis because I have a very tilted pelvis. Not sure if you do? I just close my eyes and try not to cry but I'm glad when they're over with.
Hi, not sure if this will help you but when I had my laparoscopy 2yrs ago, there was a lady on a ward, in a middle age, who come to have the smear test done under anastetic because she was in such a pain that they could not do it other ways.
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