Smear Test

[muchlovex]

just been for a smear test for the very first time and the nurse could not take a swab as it hurt me. She said that my vaginal is 'curved' and that the reason it's more difficult. I feel so disappointed. She said I had to book a test with my GP so he could take a swab. I am now really nervous about going back.

I have not had a baby and have not had sexual intercourse for a number of years.

Has anyone else had a painful smear. Sorry, i don't want to put any girls off from going for their smears, as it's such an important thing.

[angel-cake]

Just go to the doctor, who will probably do it easily. I dont want to discredit any nurses, but i have had loads of smear tests and swabs, a couple have been uncomfortable however the last nurse who did mine, i didnt realise she has done it as it was completely pain-free!

There is a technique and some have a better way of doing it than others.

I really dont think you have anything to worry about :-)

[NoMercy]

Yes. A couple of weeks ago, I had to go for a smear (which should have been done last July). The nurse told me that my uterus was tilted backwards and could I relax while she tried to drag it back in line!! Pretty damn painful!

[muchlovex]

hi Nomercy,
The nurse said that mine is 'curved' so that's why it's a bit more painful. I feel like such a failure that she couldn't do it.

After i had plucked-up all the courage i could to go..

[chinadog]

Dont worry muchlove, Someone else here had the same problem last week. My cervix is bent or tilted the wrong way so the nurse took ages finding mine. I needed a swab as well just like lots of other women. Its common to have a tilted/curved cervix. I'll see if I can find last weeks link.

[katerich48]

Muchlove ... I find the only thing that works for me is 2 Valium that I couldn't care less - dont feel a thing.. But angel-cake is right some people are better at doing it than others.. I know that from years of having them,,,But try and get hold of a couple of Valium..I get them for my bad back every couple of years and then save the ones I don't use for times like this..

[Lil O'lady]

You might mention to someone at the practice how the nurse made you feel. Not to get her in trouble - but she probably made a throw-away remark thinking nothing of it, but because you were in a worked up state and with your pants off in front of a stranger - never the most relaxed time - it had a big impact on you. She will probably be mortified at this, and will become a better nurse by learning from your feedback.
My way of coping with difficult and embarrassing procedures is to come over all brash and vulgar - but that's just the way I am. Others here have given good advice and I'm sure if you spoke with your GP and asked for a little something to relax you it will be provided.
Wait till you have your first breast screening - imagine slamming your boob in the fridge door......

[terambulan]

Try laying on your side, less painful. Useless nurse if she can't do it pain-free!

[sqad617]

Ladies....please, we did all this last Sunday

pusskin Fri 20/03/09 14:25..Under Health and Fitness.

Surely there can't be much more to say !!!!

[eash]

I think this is the question chinadog was trying to find:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/H ealth-and-Fitness/Question726093.html

[sqad617]

eash.....so what is the difference?

[eash]

Sorry sqad, didn't scroll down enough to see your post.