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How to deal with cervical screenings...

wormhaven_24

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. 

  • in reply to Elfilis

    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.

  • in reply to wormhaven_24

    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. 

  • in reply to wormhaven_24

    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!!

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  • in reply to wormhaven_24

    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!!

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