How to deal with cervical screenings...

Hi. I'm new to this community so something like this may have already been discussed, but I am 25 and received the letter for cervical screening a few months ago. I have been terrified of the thought of it ever since I learned that it was something that is offered. 

With me, I have the following challenges due to being autistic: 

- Low pain tolerance

- Hypersensitivity to touch

- I am asexual/never been sexually active

I have watched videos about it on tiktok of people's experiences and they say it doesn't hurt, just feels a bit uncomfortable. I have difficulty with a lot of medical tests due to being hypersensitive to pain and having bad experiences in hospital in relation to this also. I did book one in but never went to it, and now I feel worried about trying to book another one. I wish there was a clinic I could go to, but no local ones do cervical tests. I have spoken to the GP about the process and asked questions but it didn't really help my anxiety. 

Does anyone have any advice on this? 

Parents
  • 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. 

Reply
  • 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. 

Children