How to deal with cervical screenings...

That's really hard, how are you holding up? That's definitely on the level of unpleasantness.

I have. prostate cancer. Let’s say after the biopsy where they strapped my legs into the jolly old stirrup chair and put an ultrasound probe up my back passage … I  have a lot of sympathy to all you women who have to have a smear test.  The worst part was the injections for the anaesthetic… Don’t go there.

I have never been sexually active with a man but still have to go.  Well I go because my friend was tested and it was found she had cervical cancer, so its worth it.  However I've had some extremely awful nightmares with cervical smears that I won't go into here.  So last year I was so nervous about the smear that I wrote to my GP to let them know.  They prescribed some pain killers that went into the vagina like a tampon about 3-4 hours beforehand. Made an awful mess but that combined with the expert hand and years of experience of the nurse, it was over before I realised.  Best yet!!

Ah well the leaflet said what you have described you the leaflet is right. I clearly had a right old jobsworth phlebotomist that day who said to just rub in and it’s numb! I mean my veins are deep so yeah I’ll probably feel pain there. I need to play some games to make me feel less squeamish lol!!

I don't rub the cream in, I just put a little on where it needs to go then cover it with clingfilm and tape to hold it :) you usually put it on at least an hour before the procedure. You can buy proper dressings for it, which is probably more sensible 

They can put children under for scans like CT because of how still you have to be, but that's very different.

I actually have a tiny tube of unopened elma cream actually, but say I don’t know what it is like but I’ve heard it is very good. I don’t really get the instruction though, it says not to rub in on the leaflet but other people and Internet said that you are meant to rub it in. Hopefully I won’t have to use for ages! If only they made a numbing cream for down there. I believe they administrate local anaesthetic if surgery is required, but would having that just for a smear be a bit much? Not in my opinion but that’s me. It might hopefully not be so bad next time. 

Emla cream is a lifesaver for any vaccine or anaesthetic as that is what I have used, otherwise I wouldn't have any of my vaccines or surgeries. 

Many years ago I did - a couple of times - go for cervical screening - and I found it very very difficult on multiple levels. But then I read an article that said that cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus and that is sexually transmitted. I met my husband when we were very young and as we had never had any other sexual partners than each other I figured that there’s no way I could have had contact with the HPV virus - so I stopped having cervical smears. Obviously I’m not giving medical advice - but you could always look into the medical/scientific facts regarding this to get more information. If you’ve never been sexually active (and have no intention of a sexual relationship at this point) it might be that you could safely not have cervical smears at this point. You could ask your GP about this too. 

I guess numbing cream for down there is a wishful thought. I know they lubricate the speculum so it goes in smoothly, for me it was when she had opened it, that was when I had that sharp pain that made me blackout, but I am very squeamish but I got better quickly and I’m not that sore today. I don’t know if a cooling gel would help but again they need an internal numbing cream. I haven’t had any of the jabs (due to my awful phobia) and not really sure if I want them ever tbh. 

Yesterday was my third attempt as I just got so scared the other two times so if you don’t feel comfortable don’t be ashamed to say no or stop during the process. I’ll probably rebook in the new year now

I wouldn't imagine so as I do have that for vaccines but I'm like 99% sure it says that you can't use it on genital areas, which makes sense.

What is encouraging is their are women in the netherlands trying to redesign the instrument used to be more comfortable, and I think there was even some trial for home testing kits in the states.  Maybe we can look forward to a future when this isn't so scary a thing.

Ahh ok fair enough, might look into that myself actually. If it’s any consolation I’m also a virgin. I think the thing is they rather you go and get checked out as this hpv or whatever it’s called can be found it moist areas so it’s not always just through sex, but I do think sex is the main culprit. You could ask for the extra small speculum if it helps. I don’t know if there is any numbing cream they could give though. 

I did the double booking a few weeks back but I avoided the first booking but never had a second one. I might see how much it costs with Bupa as they are a good service and do it with them if it's not too expensive.

I wish I had seen this post sooner as that was what I had gone for yesterday, but I made my post much more vague as I wasn’t sure if I could actually say I had smear. I’m also 25 (26 next Friday) so it was my first time for me yesterday. I have to admit I did feel faint even with the extra small speculum but again I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I think trying to distract yourself would be a good idea, also might be worth bringing a cold flask of water or an ice pack in case you felt faint, you should feel better sooner. It might be worth booking a double or triple appointment if you can. 

yes - ibuprophen and paracetemol are different compounds and can be safely taken in certain ways and circumstances - but best to get a GPs advice on this.

The point of using them would be to reduce any pain you may possibly feel during the procedure.

I don't currently see a therapist. I had CBT 4 times and it didn't help in the slightest and that was for anxiety, although it was based more on social anxiety. 

I did speak to the nurse at my GP and her answers weren't exactly helpful in clearing my worries, but then I guess it is true that she cant really describe how it will be because everyone is different. 

 Iain  I will say that Bupa are a very good service. I will have a look at the site, and I wonder if they do appointments for it or whether it's just them giving advice.

Apologies, but do you mean with things such as paracetemol? I'm not sure if it would work for that kind of thing. 

BUPA have a clearer explanation than the NHS I think:

https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/smear-tests-faqs

Do you need a smear test if you are not sexually active?

It’s still a good idea to have cervical screening (a smear test) even if you’re not sexually active. 

There is a bunch of other stuff that may not be suitable to post here but it is worth reading as it also includes advice about the discomfort question.

I believe it is not mandatory but the risk of not doing it and having an issue later is something that will be hard to live with I suspect. It is still a personal decision though.

So I'm unclear on this, but I thought you can choose not to if you've not been sexually active at all previously (any sort of contact), as your risk is low. But I can't actually find that on the NHS site, so I would agree to check with your clinic.  Explain and they will be understanding and probably ask you a few questions I imagine.

Have you considered self medicating with pain relief before the session? The stuff you buy over the counter can be used in combinations that gives a short term coverage in some cases.

You really should speak to your GP for advice on how to use this safely as some can have nasty side effects if you take too much.

For example I had a workplace injury last year but could not stay home (the joys of being self employed) and the doc told me to take a combination of 2 over the counter meds that was a higher than recommended dose so I could continue demolition work with a smashed finger.

Don't try it yourself please - get advice tailored to your personal needs and bodys tolerances.

It also should be a one-off and not repeated for a long time.

You may also want to ask about a one-off anti-anxiety med for this situation so long as it won't interfere with test.

My wife had these tests annualy for a very long time and she said the doctors gentleness was the single biggest factor. If they took their time and were gentle it was painless but if they were rushed it was less pleasant. She reported the pain was only while it was being touched by the sampler and there was little lasting discomfort.

wormhaven_24 said:

- I am asexual/never been sexually active

I don't believe this is much of an factor in whether you need the test. The illnesses are not all caused by sexual activity.

Once you have done the first one then the fear of the unknown will be gone and it will be up there in the category of a annual dentist checkup in terms of dread - something to be lived with for the sake of a better long term health.