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

Pollycat

They were discussing smear tests on Lorraine this morning.
It was 2 years ago yesterday that Jade Goody died:

http://www.itv.com/lorraine/health/cervicalcancer/

Shocking stats:

36% of women admit to not turning up for their smear test.

Attendance figures for women aged 25-29 is the lowest its's ever been, just 62.8% compared to 82.6% of 50-to-54 year olds.

Well done to those ladies who've bitten the bullet and either had the test or have booked one.

For those who are still procrastinating, please remember Jade Goody.

Abbafan1972

I always go for my smears. Mine is due this year. Got the letter last week and it's due on or around 23rd April.

I'm going to book it for when the kids are back at school after Easter, so I don't have to drag them up the surgery with me. Tried to book it yesterday, but the appointments for that far ahead are not on the computer yet, so will need to leave it another week or so.

bargainbetty

My doctor's surgery have the nurses do all the smear tests - both ladies are very quick and gentle. It helps that they have different equipment - they don't use the horrible metal speculums, or even the plastic versions (I find the 'duck-billed' bits pinch you on the way out.

Our nurses have hollow tubular speculums (sorry, for size guidance think 'unimpressive') that slip in, hold everything in place and then slip out again. Easy as you like, completely untraumatic and less fuss all round. Ask your surgery if they have the more gentle option available, and if a nurse is heavy-handed, don't ever be afraid to say so. If you don't tell them, how are they supposed to know?

shelley_crow

Just back from my first smear.

I have to say it actually was quick and painless, I think I was panicking over nothing, things always seem worse when you build them up in your mind.

I was in the room for around 10 mins, most of that was administration as I went to a drop in clinic rather than my normal doctors (due to finding the time to get to appointments). It was a very mild discomfort and was over very soon. The nurse was lovely and got me chatting.

To anyone that hasn't been, please please go. It won't be as bad as you are expecting and will be a weight off your mind. If you are nervous then tell them, they have seen/heard it all before and can find a way to help you through it. x

wonderpupp

About 5 years ago I had a routine smear, then a letter inviting me to the local obs/gyny hospital due to abnormal cells. I had no idea what to expect, next thing I knew, I'd had a loop diathermy done. I remember them explaining the process to me, but advance information would have been useful - i.e. I wouldn't have ridden a motorbike to the appointment, or had someone come with me, I was instructed to have no sex for a few months, I had discharge, which was stressful enough (I am on the pill which stops bleeding altogether, which is ideal for me)
It made me develop trust issues with my partner. I couldn't enjoy sex for a time. A long time.
I still get an ache in my throat and well up in tears thinking about it all again, typing this.

I have had one 6 month check since and had no response. When I chased for results, they said no news is good news.Then I moved house, and never registered at a local doctor, so I guess I should have had them every 6 months, but I haven't had a smear for 4 years. I don't trust doctors, and I don't want all that again. You can all tell me to go back and think of Jade Goody, but I have my own issues to deal with about all this.

So I'd rather have no doctor and no smears, and live my life to the full for however long or short that may be. Selfish, eh?

avstar

I don't like going but always do cos its so important.

A few years ago I'd psyched myself up to go for a smear test and then nearly bottled it when I got there as there was a film crew filming in the same street outside the Dr's.
I went upstairs to see nursey and I could see the man in a crane thingy with the camera right outside the window :eek:

I made her close the blinds and draw all the curtains round the bed - didn't want me bits on display for the audience of Touch of Frost LOL!!!! :rotfl:

Since then as long as there's no film crew I've been alright

Pollycat

wonderpupp wrote: »

About 5 years ago I had a routine smear, then a letter inviting me to the local obs/gyny hospital due to abnormal cells. I had no idea what to expect, next thing I knew, I'd had a loop diathermy done. I remember them explaining the process to me, but advance information would have been useful - i.e. I wouldn't have ridden a motorbike to the appointment, or had someone come with me, I was instructed to have no sex for a few months, I had discharge, which was stressful enough (I am on the pill which stops bleeding altogether, which is ideal for me)
It made me develop trust issues with my partner. I couldn't enjoy sex for a time. A long time.
I still get an ache in my throat and well up in tears thinking about it all again, typing this.

I have had one 6 month check since and had no response. When I chased for results, they said no news is good news.Then I moved house, and never registered at a local doctor, so I guess I should have had them every 6 months, but I haven't had a smear for 4 years. I don't trust doctors, and I don't want all that again. You can all tell me to go back and think of Jade Goody, but I have my own issues to deal with about all this.

So I'd rather have no doctor and no smears, and live my life to the full for however long or short that may be. Selfish, eh?

wonderpup
I don't think you're selfish.

It's your body and your life so it's up to you whether you take advantage of these free tests that are designed to pick up early signs of potential problems.

I'm not sure why you say you can't trust doctors.

I personally think you're doing a pretty good ostrich impression but as I've alread said, it's your body and your life.

sammyjammy

I don't know if its helpful but I always go to my local Sexual Health clinic for mine on the basis that they get a lot more practice than a GP, I tend to go there for contraception stuff as well. Its particularly useful as I have a tilted pelvis nad this seems to make it slightly tricker and a wee bit painful!

Sam

codemonkey

I had mine a couple of weeks ago. When I went in the nurse said I was late which confused me as my last one was 3 years ago. Turns out that it had been abnormal and they wanted to check me every six months, but nobody had told me. In fact, the doctor had said it was normal and to ignore the letters that kept coming because they were a mistake. :mad:

Not got the results back yet and I'm a bit worried.

Dr_Roberto

In Scotland it's 20s you can get one done , but tbh i skipped it coz i thought if England has to wait until 23/24 then so can I , really stupid now i think of it , but i shall deffo go to my next one!!