Smear Test

Claire_MUFC

Angry_Bear wrote: »

You keep asking this question, and I'm guessing it's because it's really stressing you out. So let me reiterate what other people have said, it is absolutely fine to ask your GP to do this, no matter whether they are male or female or have the specific Gyno qualification or not. ANY GP can do a smear, and it's more important that it's someone YOU are happy with.

That being said, as with some other posters, I prefer the nurse as they do so many of them and are much more "in practice" (a lot like blood tests, nurses are much better at drawing blood than doctors imo).

I would suggest discussing your fear with your GP, I also find it a little odd that you only refer to your vagina as "down there" - it reads almost like you're afraid of your own body. Your GP may be able to give you some advice on dealing with any issues before you think about actually getting a smear done.

I'm not afraid of calling it a vagina, maybe my big issue is this operation I had as a baby makes me more apprehensive. I'm not specifically sure what it was for and mum can't remember it was that long ago, had it at 6 months (now nearly 25). I was apparently meant to see a GP when I got to my teens to discuss the op success, but never did as I used to never be able to go near a doctors surgery, only when i started getting bad ear infections a few years ago that i started going. As my menstrual cycle has been normal and regulat, never felt a reason to go

Think not knowing properly what was wrong and had to be operated on makes me apprehensive

GP should hopefully be able to find out what it was for. When I went to the doctors about 6 or 7 years ago my records from my old surgery werent even all on their computers. They just had boxes of paper :rotfl:

Maybe I should discuss this with my GP, ask him to do my first smear and make sure whatever this op was for is ok and that should help me ☺ deffo think i will go to him or the other GP with the gyno qualifications as for some reason the qualification would make me feel more at ease haha

Sncjw

You will need a chaperone anyways because he is male and you will need female chaperone, I had to chaperone patients when male doctors were examining female patients. It will likely be in gp policy to do so,

calleyw

Sncjw wrote: »

You will need a chaperone anyways because he is male and you will need female chaperone, I had to chaperone patients when male doctors were examining female patients. It will likely be in gp policy to do so,

When I had to go and have something looked at the inside of my inner upper thigh very close to my intimate area. It was a male Dr and I was asked if I wanted someone present.

I said no. I just wanted to get on with it.

It maybe policy to ask. But not policy to make you have one.

Yours

Calley

trolleyrun

Do go speak to your GP about your smear. He will be able to help you. He knows your anxiety issues and because of this will most likely be the best person to do your smear test. Be honest with him and also ask him if he can find out what the surgery you had as a baby was.

I'd also recommend exploring the area yourself. Nobody needs to know. In the first instance, just look in a mirror to see what it looks like. Touch as and when you want to. Once you realise it feels good, you might feel better about your various bits. We've all got the same parts, and there's nothing wrong with exploring and finding out what it feels and looks like.

Finally, there's no pressure. You do what you need to do. Hopefully, CBT will help with your anxieties as well. Good luck, and I wish you all the best.

heartbreak_star

A GP is a GP. Male or female, they've all done the same training - so if you're comfortable with this chap, there's no harm in asking him.

Good luck

HBS x

Sezzagirl

Dear Claire


Definitely go and talk to your GP. Whether they are male or female doesn't matter. What does matter is that you have made a connection with them and can talk to them.


I think it is a very big step from where you are now to having a smear test which can be, quite frankly, daunting for many of us who have had lots done


Can you break this down into smaller steps along the way?


First, talk to your GP about your anxiety and find out about the operation you had. Once you know what the operation is, you will be able to find out how likely it is that it was a total success


Then, when you are ready, maybe your GP could give you an examination to confirm that a smear test can be done without a problem


I don't think you should try to have a smear test until you are really ready. It is easy once you get used to it but it is still quite an alien action and the more you try and fail, I think it will only make you more anxious.


When I had a coil changed, they sprayed something in the back of my throat to relax my muscles so maybe this is a possibility for you


Remember, you don't have to eat an elephant in one go. Break it down into bitesize chunks and start by talking to the GP you trust

*max*

I agree that quite apart from the general "awkward" factor of having someone look at your vulva, anxiety can make you tense up and render the procedure uncomfortable or sometimes impossible.

I think a good first step would be to have a look by yourself, and understand what everything is and looks like. Familiarity brings comfort! Additionally, if the thought of having an instrument inserted into your vagina sounds daunting, you could try "exploring" yourself manually. Do you use tampons? If so, you will be a little familiar with the feeling. If not, it's a good idea to gently try yourself, so that that feeling is not so alien when you eventually have the examination.

I know you are at very low risk anyway, but it's a good thing to prepare yourself as best you can so that unfamiliarity of feelings doesn't add to your anxiety.

As for the doctor, absolutely ask him about it. There is no reason why he couldn't do it. He is a trained medical professional, and the vagina is just another body part. All women have the same parts. I wish you all the best, you will be just fine.

tomtontom

Sezzagirl wrote: »

Remember, you don't have to eat an elephant in one go.

Crikey, the thought makes my eyes water! :eek:

loveka

Hi there. When you see the GP ask if you could be prescribed valium to take just before the smear. It could be that it can be taken with your other medication.

After 20 years of tears and terror, I took valium beforehand a few months ago and it was a breeze, I hardly noticed having it. The valium wore off an hour or so later.

j.e.j.

loveka wrote: »

Hi there. When you see the GP ask if you could be prescribed valium to take just before the smear. It could be that it can be taken with your other medication.

After 20 years of tears and terror, I took valium beforehand a few months ago and it was a breeze, I hardly noticed having it. The valium wore off an hour or so later.

I don't want to rain on your parade, but if you need valium just to have the test taken, what on earth's going to happen if (heaven forbid) you then get sent for further, even more intrusive investigations.

The OP also needs to consider this.