How to deal with cervical screenings...

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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