Ladies - how fussy are you when it comes to getting a smear done?

RazWaz

I've never had one (I'm 20) but not looking forward to the first one. I'll probably be fine after that but it's hard not knowing what to expect.

tattycath

I don't care who does the procedure. I've found, since i had my kids that when you give birth your dignity goes out of the window-you pick it up on your way out of the hospital!! So, after that a smear is a doddle-male, female-doesn't matter to me in the slightest.

tattycath

RazWaz wrote: »

I've never had one (I'm 20) but not looking forward to the first one. I'll probably be fine after that but it's hard not knowing what to expect.

You'll be fine hun!! a bit of discomfort but that's it!! the thought is always worse than the deed.

shellsuit

galvanizersbaby wrote: »

I am probably being really thick here but how can they get to your cervix at all if you have your legs closed whether lying on your side or your back?

The same way as you can have sex on your side with your legs closed, ie spoons

The instrument goes in and opens you up. You don't need your legs open to do that.

aliasojo

shellsuit wrote: »

The instrument goes in and opens you up.

Ok shell, stop talking now please. :rotfl:

Newly_retired

I must admit I didnt go for my last one. It would have been my very last, as they stop doing them after 65. Mine have always been clear, but have got more and more uncomfortable as the years pass.

galvanizersbaby

aliasojo wrote: »

Ok shell, stop talking now please. :rotfl:

lol! - even when adopting the spoons position I initially open my legs a bit to allow entry - would feel really awkward for me having a smear lying on my side.:o

It's prob what you get used to smear wise I expect - I'm fine on my back as to me it feels a bit more medical

ERICS_MUM

I've not had a smear for years. I get very anxious about things in that area - I was in hospital for an operation and the doctor/nurses struggled to give me an enema and then a catheter (not at the same time !). For all 3 procedures I clench my muscles so tightly (not consciously) that it gets impossible to insert anything. I was the same with tampons.

I might ask the nurse at our surgery about the sideways method.

On the other hand, mamograms are a piece of cake - a bit uncomfy but don't bother me - probably because they are not "invasive".

poorly_scammo

I'm not bothered at all. A male doctor/nurse could do it and I'd still feel the same. It only takes a few minutes.

The only time I've been remotely upset was when the speculum was too hot when she inserted it into me so I told her off.

Mine is on Thursday.

Bitsy_Beans

Having had a male consultant look at lumps in my breasts, male sonographer scanning said lumps in boobs, male Dr giving me the once over and then half an hour to squeeze out my DS in labour - these days I lie back and think of England
I just remind myself these blokes see all sorts for a living and my ladygarden doesn't look any different to the next woman

Glad you've booked yours Alisajo and those who are avoiding it or are worried - tell the person you're seeing your fears. I personally don't find it that uncomfortable but after pushing out my DD my midwife said I must have a pelvis like a bucket :rotfl: so don't take my word in it. The more tense you are the worse it will feel. Please don't put it off, this is something that could save your life.