This might be a bit too personal, but I've just turned 25...

Person_one

ab7167 wrote: »

I'm 31 and have had loads as well as 2 loop biopsies of the cervix when abnormal cells were found. Hang the embarassemnt, you must must must go for it to check that everything is OK. I've had all my abnormal cells treated and had my first "normal" result about a year ago. Who know where it might have ended if I hadn't gone. And yes, I still find it slightly embarassing, although less so now I've gone through childbirth and having a coil fitted! You do lose many inhibitions in labour, especially if it is a difficult one and the whole brass band seem to be in the room with you :-)

Don't worry, there's no way I'd consider not going. I know this is one of those things I've just got to put up with, I don't have to be happy about it though, I will be stamping my feet and complaining to OH like a stroppy child on the day I go!

Any

Embarassing????
I would call smear test many things (uncomfortable, cold, life saver, a 2 minute job...) but embarassing??

Person_one

Any wrote: »

Embarassing????
I would call smear test many things (uncomfortable, cold, life saver, a 2 minute job...) but embarassing??

Surely its not so hard to understand that it requires 3 question marks? Naked from the waist down in a cold examining room with a complete stranger peering between your legs, that's not my idea of a fun day out!

PolishBigSpender

Don't worry, it's not pleasant, but nothing scary or painful as well.
One piece of advice: wear a longer top or a skirt, that way once you remove your underwear, you will not have to walk completely naked through the room.

I was surprised recently to learn that you don't have regular internal examinations anymore when you're on the pill. It's amazing how blaze you get about these when you've had them twice a year from the age of 18!

That's weird, I still have them once a year. My doctor won't give me the prescription without a proper check up!

two-for-one

Hi,

I go anually due to having had abnormal smear in the past.
I cannot emphasise how important smear tests are, and well worth any embarrassment or discomfort you think you may experience.

I always go to a family planning clinic as I find they do a very good job, i.e: are quick and efficient as they must do so many.

I've just had one done recently and it must have taken the nurse about 3-5 mins to do the smear. Very quick. I would not describe it as painful. I only experience a slight discomfort, but it's all over very quickly.

Please try not to worry, relax as much as you can (know its not easy!), but do get it done.

creased-leach

Don't have a bath that day- a shower is fine, but bathing can affect the test.

I've been having them yearly since I was 19, and they found abnormalities. They were just about to switch me back to 3 yearly after 9 clear years, when they found more abnormalities. That was pretty serious, and resulted in treatment.

My reminder for my yearly look was on the mat this morning- they're really nothing to worry about, but it could save your life. :0)

Happynewmum

Ive had quite afew smear tests over the years.My first when I was, I think, 18 when I was suffering from pains. Thankfully-all of them have been fine. They arent as bad as you think. The worst bit is being embarrassed but you get over that quite quick. Relaxing is always a good idea. When I've been relaxed its been no probs.On one or two occasions alittle uncomfortable but didnt last long. I always think to myself alittle possible discomfort every few years is nothing compared to possibly something being wrong. Besides-after childbirth dont think I cant complain about ANYTHING!

Any

Person_one wrote: »

Surely its not so hard to understand that it requires 3 question marks? Naked from the waist down in a cold examining room with a complete stranger peering between your legs, that's not my idea of a fun day out!

It's not any stranger. It's a professional and that is what you have to think about.

mumcoll

When I was having one I left my socks on and said to the nurse she must have seen it all. She replied that the most odd was with an older lady who wouldn't take her knickers off!!!! She had to do it with them on. They really have seen it all. Whenever I see the regular nurse in town or the library, I can't help but think 'She's seen my f***y' and wonder if she thinks the same thing too!

Dormouse

Person_one wrote: »

But its freezing! I'd have to wear my thick woolly tights too and I can just see myself falling over trying to get them off, oh great now I've given myself an extra thing to worry about!

But you could fall over getting your trousers off anyway, so that's not a good enough reason. Definitely wear a skirt, it's a lot nicer and preserves a (tiny) bit of dignity :rotfl:

Like everyone said, it's not a biggie - no it's not pleasant, but it'll be over before you know it. You'll be fine.

Also, if you ever plan to have children in the future, it's good preparation for the million embarrassing and undignified moments associated with childbirth :rotfl:but the good thing is, post-childbirth, smear tests really are a doddle.