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

xoxo_2

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Is anyone else annoyed that you have to be 25? I know cervical cancer is apparently rare for under 25's but you never know. I've read stories of people who were refused smears then had cancer.

Yes, definitely. I'm only 23 so a bit of a wait yet, but my Mum has had nothing but problems from a young age, as did her Mum, so i'm probably a bit paranoid and want the first one 'out of the way' just for reassurance really. I don't like the idea of waiting until i'm 25.

Gavin83 wrote: »

I'm sure if you worked in a shop and an attractive man/woman walked in you'd think that they were attractive before you went about assisting them. Why shouldn't doctors do the same? People seem to forget doctors are human, they're not robots. They have feelings and opinions, can make a mistake and they're only doing a job. I think to presume that a doctor won't find at least one of their patients attractive as a bit naive.

Of course it's naive to think a doctor wouldn't find any of their patients attractive, ever. But a doctor thinking a patient is attractive is very different to a doctor 'being aroused' by patients during a smear test and then telling a friend about it. Doctors are only human but they are professionals and should behave in an appropriate way. Being aroused whilst giving someone a smear (or being aroused whilst giving any treatment for that matter) is completely inappropriate no matter how attractive the woman is, IMO.

I also think this thread was probably the wrong one to share the information about your friend in. I expect for most women reading this thread some of the things you and your friend have discussed are their fears - that a doctor would be disgusted or aroused during a smear. Your post could put women off, and even if it only makes one woman think twice about going for their smear then it's too much.

Pollycat

xoxo wrote: »

Of course it's naive to think a doctor wouldn't find any of their patients attractive, ever. But a doctor thinking a patient is attractive is very different to a doctor 'being aroused' by patients during a smear test and then telling a friend about it. Doctors are only human but they are professionals and should behave in an appropriate way. Being aroused whilst giving someone a smear (or being aroused whilst giving any treatment for that matter) is completely inappropriate no matter how attractive the woman is, IMO.

I also think this thread was probably the wrong one to share the information about your friend in. I expect for most women reading this thread some of the things you and your friend have discussed are their fears - that a doctor would be disgusted or aroused during a smear. Your post could put women off, and even if it only makes one woman think twice about going for their smear then it's too much.

xoxo
Well said! :T

I thought what Gavin83 said about his doctor friend and his totally inappropriate feelings (whether it be arousal or disgust) was both appalling and unprofessional and may indeed put some women off having a smear test.

I just hope that most (if not all) women reading this put their health first.
Gavin83's doctor friend is obviously a very shallow person who should be ashamed of (1) feeling that way and (2) voicing his feelings to someone else.
It's very unfortunate that Gavin83 popped up on this thread and decided to share that with us.

shouldstopspending

pimento wrote: »

I had a private smear done once and the consultant didn't even make me open my legs. I laid on my side and brought my knees up to my belly and he went in round the back (quiet at the back! )

I've always wondered why all smear tests weren't done like this.

yeah, why arent they all done like this???

aliasojo

shouldstopspending wrote: »

yeah, why arent they all done like this???

I wonder if the size of the lady has anything to do with how easy or otherwise it is to get to the right spot via this method? Perhaps it's easier for larger ladies to be on their backs, so to speak.

Don't shoot me for wondering, I'm on the large side myself.

Course that could have nothing to do with it and it's just all down to the way they were trained?

I was at the gym today....what's my chances of dropping at least 2 stone before my app next week? :rotfl:

aliasojo

xoxo wrote: »

I also think this thread was probably the wrong one to share the information about your friend in. I expect for most women reading this thread some of the things you and your friend have discussed are their fears - that a doctor would be disgusted or aroused during a smear. Your post could put women off, and even if it only makes one woman think twice about going for their smear then it's too much.

I agree with this part. I do think Doctors are only human and subject to 'foot in mouth' disease just like everyone else. So I'm not particularly surprised or shocked to read Gavin's comments.

However I do think he's shown a big error in judgement posting those comments here.

shellsuit

aliasojo wrote: »

I wonder if the size of the lady has anything to do with how easy or otherwise it is to get to the right spot via this method? Perhaps it's easier for larger ladies to be on their backs, so to speak.

Don't shoot me for wondering, I'm on the large side myself.

Course that could have nothing to do with it and it's just all down to the way they were trained?

I was at the gym today....what's my chances of dropping at least 2 stone before my app next week? :rotfl:

Nah, I'm a lard arrrse and the GP has no problem doing mine while I'm on my side

It's the way the are trained and how they and the patient find it easiest. That's what my GP told me anyway when I asked why the nurses don't do it the same way she does.

Pixiechic

Smear tests don't bother me at all, just something that needs to be done. We are lucky really that we have the option to have them. It could save your life. At least my Doc warms the 'tool' up beforehand now, it used to be flippin freezing :eek:.

If you are worried about having one, speak to your Doctor and explain it to them. You won't say anything that they haven't heard before and they will explain it all to you and reassure you. It honestly isn't as bad as you might think .

charlie792

Ive never had one, but should be having one soon...Its 20 here in Wales, except Im now almost 21 and still not heard anything yet about having one, maybe soon.....

barbiedoll

If anyone wants a woman doctor or nurse to perform a smear test, they are entitled to this. Also, anyone who suffers pain during a smear should mention this to the doctor, speculums do come in different sizes and what "fits" one woman, may not be suitable for another.

A good idea is to use a simple breathing exercise whilst the test is being performed. Take a deep breath in through your nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth (blowing gently is good) whilst counting slowly to 5.

I know it can be embarassing and some women do tend to tense up, which is often the cause of the pain. Just try to relax, play some music through your headphones if it helps, the nurse/doctor won't mind. And remember, the test really can be a lifesaver, a few minutes discomfort is a small price to pay for the sake of your health. We are lucky to live in a country which provides such screening tests (for now anyway!) so please, please do take advantage of it.

Kimberley82

i didnt have my first until I was 26 as I was so scared, I was due another one last year but again too scared.