Anyone had the new type of smear?

[dimwithwit]

I had the nwew type of smear today, they used a brush and liquid instead of the wooden scraper and plastic strip. weird.

But does it work. normally i have to have about 5 smears before they can tell me if there is anything wrong.

[3Rainbows]

Hi I heard about these ages ago but think they have taken a while to be used as regular practise.

Im 23 and have never had a smear. I'm too scared and although I have had internal examinations for various pelvic problems the thought of being scraped with a wooden stick makes me feel sick!

Was the new types less uncomfortable than the old style?

[radiogaga]

ive had this done, its much the same, a little discomfort but all in a 5 min procedure. the nurse said id get the results in 6 weeks, and if id not heard anything to phone the surgery. i got my results (clear) within 3-4 weeks.

[Emz26]

3Rainbows - I was exactly the same as you when I was a bit younger. I was too embarassed to go to my surgery and have a smear and I ignored it until it was too late. At 22 I was diagnosed with cancerous cells and had to undergo biopsies and laser surgery to remove them. Far more painful and embarassing than the few minutes a smear takes.
A bit of advice to any woman - Don't ignore it and keep putting it off. It could save your life.

[edith]

Yes I have, the nurse told me it was used because the spatchula was too harsh and made some women bleed so they had to have another, the brush is much more gentler, so nothing to worry about, but please don't miss any appointments because of fear,it's wise to look after yourself, most smears even repeated ones are usually nothing.

[alijangra]

This method has been used for years, and has much better results (much less inconclusive results) however it has taken a while to catch on because it costs more initially (but not in the long term due to the reduced need for repeat testing). Perfectly normal, and I bet they get your results first time.