smear test

[Hannah beeek]

so i have to have one now cos i didnt think it was till you were 25 years of age and i am worried cos it will be my first one

[helliebobs]

Hannah as you've posted this question twice, I can only assume the previous answers didn't allay your fears?

Your first one can be pretty daunting and personally I still find mine quite uncomfortable but it only lasts a minute or two and they can be quite vital. Don't be embarrassed about it either - the nurse will do hundreds each week and will have seen it all before.

[sixpence]

Hannah beeek, are you worried about actually having the test, or what the results might show?
I have had quite a few of these tests over the years, and although it's not the nicest experience, it has never hurt. The nurses who do these things are good at their jobs and should put you at your ease. It's easy to say this, I know, but try to relax. It's soon over. Good luck.

[sixpence]

hellibobs, we posted at about the same time, but at least we said more or less the same thing, so hope it will help you, hannah

[secretspirit]

Hi, I was TERRIFIED of having my first smear test and eventually went at the age of 23. To be honest the actual smear test bit was over in under 10 secs, it didn't hurt and the nurse didn't make me feel embarassed at all. She talked it through with me first, asked if I wanted to see the speculum (er...no) and told me to say at any time if I was uncomfortable. When it was over, which was practically straight away, I said "Is that it?!".

The nurse will have done thousands and so be really professional. I felt like she treated me the same as if she were treating an elbow or knee or something :-)

Good luck, the dread is WAY worse than the experience!

[Rubyrose]

Thanks Secretspirit. I've never had one either and you made me feel better. I guess I better book one. I am 21.. and terrified aswell. :o(

[4getmenot]

Believe me you'd be more worried if you got cancer because you didnt go for check ups and see the signs. Everyone female has to do it and if you want babies I'm sure you'll go through way more embarrassing or painful things in pregnancy than a smear. Dont worry your little head its all fine. :-)

[Pippa68]

Smear tests certainly prepare you for childbirth ;o)

They shoudn't be painful ~ more uncomfortable (I can't imagine them ever being pleasant) a good understanding nurse of doctor should warm the speculum under the hot tap. The worst thing ever is having it inserted cold!

I am 38, mum of 4 children and have had countless smears..once you get over the first one all should be fine. You will be glad you did it ~ I reckon we should have them more often though..every 3 years really isn't acceptable, no matter how uncomfortable it is.

[4getmenot]

Wouldnt it be so much better if they invented something where we could take a test ourselves. I'm sure so much more people would do it then.

[chazza]

The minimum age for being called for a test has now gone up to 25, before this age your body is still changing and the results may then be inaccurate. So dont worry about it until you turn 25!

[4getmenot]

I thought if you're on the pill the age is lower and every 3 years.

[Pippa68]

Hmmm..I always thought that you should go for smear tests if you were sexually active. If you aren't, then you can wait until 25?

I didn't even ask if Hannah beeek was sexually active or not :o)

[chazza]

Here's a link:

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?printPage=1&articleId=95

[Pippa68]

Thanks for the link. I would imagine that (as 4getmenot has said) that anyone younger than 25 & on the pill would be invited for a smear..it would usually go along with the usual 'pill' check ups.

I find it disturbing that 25 is the usual age for first invitation, considering that there are young girls of 15 (or younger) out there having sex..on the pill or not.

It's not only disturbing, it's outrageous!

[kazzianne]

I was always told by my doctor that you should start having regular smeaars as soon as you become sexually active.I cant believe any woman would wait till 25 to have one.

[chazza]

Kazzianne, thats what the thinking used to be, now with further research, the results can be unreliable before 25

[Pippa68]

Oh ok ~ in my experience (and from what I have read) the results can be unreliable at any age.

No wonder that cases of cervical cancer in younger women are steadily rising...

[flipflop104]

I'm 31 and never had a smear test - I'd rather not know if there was something wrong with me

<puts tin hat on and waits for earbashing>

[sixpence]

No earbashing, flipflop. I'll just whisper to you......"Prevention is better than cure"

[4getmenot]

flipflop, you'd rather not know or are too scared or embarrased to have one?

[malaise]

You should have a smear if you're sexually active, because cervical cancer has been related to HPV, which is sexually transmitted and can often have no symptoms.

For all of you too scared or prudish to have a smear test: My mother is DYING of cervical and ovarian cancer because she refused to have smear tests. She only knew something was wrong because the tumour was so advanced that it gave her stomach aches and twinges. She now weighs about 6 stone, has a permanent stoma, is on steroids, and has been on and off chemotherapy as a life-prolonging treatment for the past five years. If she'd been for regular smear tests, maybe they could have detected this much earlier and her life would have been saved.

GET TESTED. Having a simple test is far easier than dying slowly and in pain.