Smear Test

Feral_Moon

Absolutely nothing wrong with a male GP performing smear tests. My GP is male and specialises in gynaecological health.

Claire_MUFC

Feral_Moon wrote: »

Absolutely nothing wrong with a male GP performing smear tests. My GP is male and specialises in gynaecological health.

I wasn't sure what my GP specialises in, has a number of qualifications listed afer his name on surgery website so I have just looked them up

One is DRCOG, which I have just found out stands for Diploma Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

After reading a bit more about it, it says on wikipedia:

The DRCOG examination is aimed at doctors, and especially General Practitioners, who wish to certificate their knowledge and interest in obsteterics and gynaecology

So, he has obviously done a qualification in the area, so has one other in the surgery, also a male GP

Would this be a good starting point ? Looking at the two GPs in the surgery who have done a qualification in the area, maybe discuss my issues with them, even if they are male ? At least one i am familiar with after seeing him 5 times since December for anxiety and depression

Probably no indication he specialises in it as has other qualifications too, but atl east he has studied the area

Claire_MUFC

DRCOG Diploma from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This is a voluntary exam undertaken by GP’s in training to recognise specialist knowledge in the fields of pregnancy and women’s health

Above was taken off a GP surgery site, so maybe the fact my GP i'm seeing for depression has this qualification within the area its not so weird to maybe start with him as someone to help me with my fears

System

You're thread has reminded me I really need to book mine

I've put it off for 4 years as stupid as it sounds I'm worried more that they might find something which is exactly why I should go but the thought terrifies me

geminilady

OP Your GP does not have to specialise in gynaecological health to do your smear,if you feel more comfortable with him talk to him about why you are so frightened.There is no reason why he cannot do your smear with a chaperon there.It is really important that you have one and it only takes a few minutes.Hope your treatment for anxiety helps and the CBT will also be useful.One comment that you made did surprise me when you said you had not touched yourself "down there" Maybe if you did you might find the idea of a smear a bit easier?

Claire_MUFC

geminilady wrote: »

OP Your GP does not have to specialise in gynaecological health to do your smear,if you feel more comfortable with him talk to him about why you are so frightened.There is no reason why he cannot do your smear with a chaperon there.It is really important that you have one and it only takes a few minutes.Hope your treatment for anxiety helps and the CBT will also be useful.One comment that you made did surprise me when you said you had not touched yourself "down there" Maybe if you did you might find the idea of a smear a bit easier?

Thank you ☺

The fact he has this DRCOG qualification next to his name in his list of qualifications on the surgery website, which i have just find out stands for the following

Diploma from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This is a voluntary exam undertaken by GP’s in training to recognise specialist knowledge in the fields of pregnancy and women’s health

Makes me feel a bit better about asking him for help to overcome this and speak about my problems and fears. Having done a qualification which includes gynaecology, he should hopefully understand and be able to talk about my problems and help ☺

Maybe i will try the touching myself 'down there' but gradually. Get a bit more confident each time. Suppose its like anything, small steps ☺

elliejelly

Hi Claire,

Totally new here but your thread spoke to me! I too have had problems with anxiety, and when I eventually went for my first smear at the age of 30 (late starter sexually!), I was taking Citalopram. I explained my nervousness to my lovely GP and she prescribed me some diazepam to take before the procedure to relax me (and my muscles!). They don't dish this stuff out willy nilly anymore, but many will allow it as a quick-fix for an immediate issue like this one, or fear of flying on a holiday, etc. This isn't medical advice, just a suggestion - but it really helped me. Please know that you're not alone in your 'fear of the smear' and talk to your GP - they'll help! And if they don't, see another one!

Izadora

While I understand the thought that a doctor will be more qualified than a nurse, do remember that nurses are likely to have carried out a lot more smear tests as it's part of their day to day job.

If you're certain you want a doctor to do it then, as someone else suggested, it's definitely worth asking for a doctor at a sexual health clinic rather than your GP.

j.e.j.

Torry_Quine wrote: »

It does surprise me that they wanted to do a smear before you have been sexually active. When I first went to see about contraception when I was getting married they said that normally they would do a smear they wouldn't as I had never been sexually active.

Could you see a female doctor to explain your fears to, she will also have your notes with details of the surgery you had.

This ^^

Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus (the human papilloma virus). This is why decent healthcare providers offer a smear backed up with HPV test (if you are HPV negative you are extremely unlikely to develop cancer of the cervix)


I am so sorry you have had to go through the trauma you described in your first post, OP. Do bear in mind that these invites are just that, - invites. If you do not wish to have the test done you are quite within your rights to say so, and to ask in writing for your name to be removed from the screening list (as I have done).

I am not saying this to get you to not have the test done, - that's entirely your own decision - but forcing this procedure on someone who a) can't cope with it, and b) is very unlikely to actually need it is extremely counterproductive, as I think the nurse eventually realised.


Good luck with your anxiety. Be assertive and take things at your own pace when it comes to any kind of test or treatment. It's very important that YOU are in control of what happens to your own body.

wishus

Hon, I am also very scared of this , but you know you need to go and get it all over with. It has taken me a few years to find the place that works best for me. The Sexual Health clinic is a great suggestion, but even better is the nurse at your local GP - they do several a day and they meet anxious patients all the time, plus it'll be handy for you.

If you have a mum or sister who can go with you the first time, they can help you to be brave. If you can arrange to talk with someone at your GP first, explain your anxiety and specify you need someone very patient and kindly and their tiniest speculum. Perhaps you can get some anxiety medication first too, or if not how about Bach's flower remedy or Kalms?

And give yourself a treat when you're done. You'll have deserved it.