Smear test please advise

smee09

Hi,

I am a regular poster but have registered a new name to protect my identity.

I don't know if this is the right place to post and I apologise if this is a bit too much information for some people, I just need some advice.

I need some advice please, probably from the women out there..

I received a letter to call me for my first smear test, I went yesterday and it was awful

The nurse said my cervix bled a bit when she did the swob, also I had an abnormal amount of discharge and there could be an infection. She said it could be anything including clamydia (I've been with my partner for 8 years)

She was also concerned that I have previously bled in between periods before and also that I have previously bled after sex, although neither of this happens often and hasn't happened for months and months.

Now I'm absolutely terrified that something is wrong with me and I'm ill in someway.

Can anyone with a bit more knowledge or experience of this please shout up? It's taken over my life already, I didn't sleep last night and I've not been able to concentrate all day. I have another week to wait for the swob results to see if I have an infection and I have been told to expect a letter with 2-4 weeks for the results of the smear.

Please advise someone

Thanks,

Karrie2129

I know it's easier said than done but don't worry. I went through the same thing a couple of months ago and its more than likely nothing to worry about. Are you on the pill or have an implant? Hormones like that can make your bleeding irregular and then your imagination goes into overdrive! With issues like this they just like to cover all the bases. Try to relax x x

moodydonkey

Smee, please don't worry, you have done the right thing and now if there is a problem it will be found. Loads of women bleed, before and after and during a swab/test/smear/sex and for any other reason. It is most always completely normal so try to stop worrying hard tho i know.

smee09

Hi, thanks for posting.

Yes I'm on the pill. The one where you take it for 3 weeks then have a break week.

You've both made me feel better by just posting, so thanks

xx

meritaten

exactly the same thing happened to me about ten years ago! and.... the bleeding on the swab was due to an ulcer on the cervix - I was sent to the gynaecologist within a few weeks and he diagnosed this - couple of weeks later i went into day surgery to have it cauterised. no probs whatsoever! didnt feel a thing, felt fine and just got on with things. but my gynae was concerned at the problems I had always had since starting my periods (erratic, usually heavy, lots of clotting and bleeding between periods) which my GP had dismissed out of hand. after another consultation he said I had endometriosis and suggested a thermal ablation ie. taking away the inner lining of the womb. at my age, 45, he said it would probably solve the problem until menopause took over. so I agreed.
I have to say - Its bloody wonderful not to go through periods and PMT and if you have had your children I would recommend it.
however, I wouldnt recommend it being done under local anaesthetic. if this is suggested refuse and insist on a general anaesthetic. I wont go into detail here but the result of the operation is wonderful even if the performance of it left a lot to be desired!
I am so grateful that I had that smear test - yes it was worrying at the time - but the problems were easily sorted and just the ulcer cauterisation helped a lot. and I saw a gynaecologist which i wouldnt have otherwise. he at least listened and understood and even sympathised! before I had just been told I was making too much of a natural thing! believe me hun, I think you too will be grateful for that smear test before the year is out!

angelicmary85

smee09 wrote: »

I had an abnormal amount of discharge and there could be an infection. She said it could be anything including clamydia

I had my 1st about 2years ago and was tested for clamydia (been with OH 6years) and my swob came back clear.

The doc I spoke to for my results said the discharge should settle down but it never has...I'm too scared to go back and have it tested for other things

maggied_2

Oh love, your first one can be awful! They do get better honestly and you're doing the right thing by getting checked out.

For the record I always bleed when I have a smear - just got a delicate cervix!

The discharge could be anything at all - if they've done a sexual health screen your results would be back a lot sooner than 4 weeks. Phone your doctor and find out when you can call for the results. Don't worry though, it could just be thrush or the effect of the pill. Even if it's anything else (and there's plenty that can get upset in there that isn't sexually transmitted!) at least you'll be getting it treated.
Good luck and try not to worry.

ellay864

I know it's the hardest thing in the world to relax and try not to worry (last month I had an abnormal mammogram and was in bits for the 2 days before my breast clinic appointment so I really do understand what you're going through)
Firstly 1 in 12 smears are abnormal but the chances of it being a cancer (let's be honest - thats what we all worry about) are very rare. The smear is NOT a test for cancer. but simply for abnormalities of the cervix. I've had an abnormal smear myself some years ago and been clear on every smear since then, I know of many friends who have had them too - none of us have anything wrong with us. There is an absolutely massive list of causes of abnormal smears. Basically it means they are seeing minor changes to the cells of the cervix, and in many cases they just settle down on their own. Even if it did turn out to be 'something' it could be an indication of something like fibroids or polyps, or as the nurse has said, an infection which would probably mean a course of antibiotics. You will probably have to have more frequent smears for a while to keep an eye on things, or possibly they may want to refer you for a colposcopy. Again, if that happens it doesn't mean it's any more serious - it's just a way to get a better look at what's going on. Please try to bear in mind that the chances of you having anything seriously wrong are very slim.
One thing about your post that did surprise me a little was the fact that you said you've been with your partner 8 years but this is your first smear. Please please, please never be scared to have smears, or put off going. Generally they aren't too bad, though some women are just more tolerant than others, but we get offered them for a reason. Although it's rare to end up with a genuine serious problem, anything that is found is much more treatable if identified early. And abnormal bleeding is something you should mention - again not necessarily a sign of anything serious but it just isn't worth ignoring.
I really do feel for you and hope that everything turns out OK. Let me know how you get on - PM if you want xx

melancholly

every time i've been they've said something about 'discharge'.... mortifying the first time - although it seems it's just me and nothing 'wrong'! it also means it usually takes a few tests (last time 3) to get a good result - and you have to wait a few months between tests anyway.... try not to panic about it - you've done the absolutely best thing which is to get things tested!

Turtle

Hi, several years ago I went to dr also because of bleeding inbetween periods and after sex and it was found that I had a week area on my cervix. This was due to a previous procedure I'd had to remove some abnormal cells. I realise this is not what you have, but the cauterising was fine. It was done under local anaethetic and although I was a bit wobbly afterwards I left the hospital after a nice cuppa - take someone with you to drive you there and back. I did sleep a lot that afternoon, and had some very light bleeding for a couple of days. I won't say don't worry because I was worried sick, but it all turned out fine. Fear of the unknown is the worst part.

LisaLou1982

Hey hun

Honestly dont worry - as others have said, lots of women bleed after a smear test. I had mine done last month and bled although it my 3rd smear and the only time ive bled. That said, ive also experienced some break through bleeding after sex and inbetween periods during the last couple of yrs and have been told its down to a delicate cervix and some polyps which can be sorted out in day surgery so please dont worry!!

You'll be fine and if there is anything that needs sorting they will be in touch with you very quickly. I got my letter back within 2/3 weeks saying everything was negative and absolutely fine! x