I went to a gynecologist for the first time on over a decade. My Dr suggested it. The GYN and nurse started with a full inventory. I am 57, that was a lot of inventory and some very painful to talk about. I am in menopause, I am also on high doses of anti depressants. I have not been sexually active in 4 years and I am fine with that. I have no interest anymore. I am closed for business. The exam was painful and she was acting annoyed as I squirmed. She took her sample and it was a little bloody. I bled for about a half hour. I was so depressed when I left and it triggered a depressive episode that I can't get under control. I told my therapist I am not going to do that anymore. She tried to convince me to change my mind. No, I am not going to put myself through that trauma again ever. I am alone, no kids, no partner. It just doesn't matter to me. I will not retell my past again to anyone.
Nope. I am not going to do that again. - Women's Health
Nope. I am not going to do that again.
Aww I'm so so sorry to read this ...some nurses are just not good at that I'm sorry it was such a ordeal non of us like it but unfortunately if your a woman you hsve to bite the bullet to keep yourself healthy ..I totally understand how u are feeling I heve health anxiety and it's bloody awful I'm 65 young had 2 kids and have had many smere tests ..never pleasant but I find doctors far better than nurses don't know why..I'm going for 1 on Monday with the nurse so I'm hoping she's experienced....pls try to take a deep breath and it will help you feel better you should have told them how anxious you were or get diazapan from your gp...pls try to think positive or talk to a friend or family ..I know mental health is awful it's all very bleak at times.. reach out anytime big hug x
I’m very sorry you have experienced this. I don’t blame you for never wanting to do this again. I have not been sexually active for years and years either and alway request the smallest speculum they have, a pediatric one if possible. That helps it be a little less painful. I don’t even tell some doctors my psych history they don’t need to know. You are not alone with painful Pap smears. My male doctor is like “They don’t hurt” and I replied “You are wrong.” I thought it was just be, so I asked 2 female friends, both said absolutely they do. I have also bled after a Pap smear like that!!! I called the dr, I’ve had a hysterectomy what is going on could you have punctured something???
I feel your pain. I need to have a colposcopy as my last painful pap tested positive for HPV. I still haven’t booked it after a year. My new GP has prescribed some oestrogen cream to apply inside morning and night for two weeks beforehand with one repeat if I need it. Maybe next time you could ask for the same? I’m going to take Valium as well
I completely understand. After my last smear test, I said never again (I'm 61). It gets harder for the medical professions to do it as we pass menopause, everything dries up down there and vaginal atrophy begins.
I got my results back and it is the same as it was 10-12 years ago. I am good no need for any more unnecessary procedures. I know I am not the only one on here with trauma that is not necessary to recall. I have been in therapy most of my life because of it. I am not going back.