Smear tests, or as they are known now “cervical screenings”, are a way to check if your cervix is healthy. It’s gained quite a bad reputation over the years because the thought of going can be so daunting, especially if you’ve never been before. It’s also quite an uncomfortable procedure for many people. And the word smear isn’t exactly appealing. But a smear test could save your life, which is why they are so important.
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Who Needs A Smear Test/Cervical Screening
Anyone between the ages of 25 and 64 with a cervix. As you get older the frequency of them drops unless you’ve had abnormalities in any of your last 3 tests. Personally, I got my letter before I was 25 and my first test done when I was 24.
What Is The Smear Test For?
Simply put, it’s a test that can help prevent cancer. The screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for any signs of certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). If any of those types of HPV are found the sample of cells is then checked for abnormal changes. If abnormal cells are not treated, they may turn into cervical cancer.
What To Expect At Your Smear Test
It really isn’t as daunting and scary as it sounds and the nurse should make you feel as comfortable as possible. If you’re really nervous I would mention that it’s your first time and ask as many questions as you need to so you feel more at ease.
- You’ll be asked to remove your clothes from the waist down behind a screen. They’ll give you a sheet to cover yourself with, so don’t worry about being judged.
- Then you will be asked to lie down on your back on a bed. When I did mine I was told to bend my legs, put my feet together and keep my knees apart, this is standard practice. Remember if you feel discomfort or pain you can ask to change position and they’ll be happy to oblige.
- This is where it can get a little uncomfortable. The nurse will gently put the speculum (pictured below) in to your vagina. They then open the speculum to see your cervix and use a soft brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix.
- Now the easy bit, the nurse will remove the speculum and it’s all over. You can get dressed and go home. It might feel a little strange for a while after, this is totally normal. By the end of the day I had forgotten it had even happened.
How To Prepare
Dress Comfortably
I would suggest wearing a skirt or a dress, something that makes it easy to get access to your bits and bobs. You’ll feel more comfortable with that than if you have to take your trousers off. The other side of this is that you want to be as comfortable as possible for this as it’s not a very comfortable things having a possible stranger conduct this test. The more comfortable you are, the quicker and easier it will be for you and the person doing the test.
Ask For A Woman To Do The Smear Test
As a first timer, you’ll want someone who knows how the test feels as well as how to do it. Men are just as capable, but for the sake of nerves and advice it’s probably better to ask for a female doctor if you’re a little anxious about your first test.
Ask For An Early Appointment
If you’re already nervous, there is nothing worse that sitting in the waiting room waiting for the appointment to start. For this reason I highly recommend you book one of the earlier appointments where they’re more likely to be running on time and probably more willing to give you a couple of extra minutes if you need it.
Use Painkillers
Generally, it’s not a sore procedure, but for some people it is. If you’re worried about it being painful take a painkiller before the appointment. There is no harm in it if it helps get you through the door. Don’t take anything else like alcohol though. It won’t benefit you.
Change Position If You’re Uncomfortable
You’ll be asked to lie down on a bed. If at any point you begin to feel uncomfortable or any pain simply ask to change position. They can, in some cases, do the procedure with you on your side.
Ask For A Longer Appointment
If you think you’ll have a lot of questions, or it may take you longer to get comfortable simply ask for a longer appointment. If it’s your first time, it’s totally udnerstandable. Not everyone feels comfortable taking their kit off for doctors or nurses and if this is you, it may take a little longer for you to get ready for the test.
Time The Appointment Around Your Period
It goes without saying that you’ll feel more uncomfortable with the test if you’re bleeding, but it can actually affect the results. For those reasons you should time the test to be when you aren’t bleeding.
Take Someone You Trust With You
They don’t have to come into the appointment with you, but if they make you feel more at ease having them in the waiting room can benefit you a lot. Having that support is always useful for doing nervewracking things. I didn’t take anyone to mine and was absolutely fine so this is really down to each individual person. This may be discouraged at the moment due to the pandemic, but it is worth asking if you can.
Ask For A Smaller Speculum Or Lubrication
You may not know this, but speculums actually come in different sizes. If the standard size is really too uncomfortable for you, you can request a smaller size. The nurse can also use lubricant to make it easier for you.
Don’t Put Off Booking Your Smear Test
The longer you put it off, the more scary and nerve wracking it will be. As soon as you get your letter phone up and make an appointment. I find that when I have longer to think about something and build it up in my head the less likely I am to do it. Just get it over with then you don’t need another one for few years.
As someone who recently turned 25 and so needs to now go to my first smear test, thanks so much for all this!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Thank you for commenting!
My last smear test was so uncomfortable it’s almost put me off going altogether π’ my cervix was hiding from the nurse and so she could not get good access.
My mind also didn’t help me as I over thought it way too much by actively trying to NOT think about it! π Cheers anxiety!
I’m not due for another year or so now (thankfully!). But I’ll be sure to point out my worries next time I go Xoxo
Oh no! That must have been so uncomfortable! I would definitely talk to the nurse the next time you go to see if there is anything they can do to make it easier for you.
My anxiety didn’t make mine easy either, I went in shaking and tense but the nurse I had was amazing and gave me so much reassurance and made sure I was comfortable.
I wish I had known this before my first one.. I spoke to my mum about it but it was kind of uncomfortable to.. It hurt so much and the nurse had to go in twice π£ thanks for sharing that got the first timers
Thank you for sharing your experience. I also spoke to my mum, who didn’t like getting them done so it didn’t help at all. That must have been so uncomfortable! I’m sorry you went through that. I would mention that to the nurse the next time you get one done because your nurse may try to find a way to make it less sore for you!
Definitely.. Thanks for the advice
No worries!
I have not done this test yet, I usually feel very uncomfortable in these situations. But these tips are helpful for whenever I plan to do this.
Also, I really love the way you wrote this. I was able to read this entire post feeling comfortable. I didn’t have to read this and think in my head “ohhh noo that seems scary”. You made it sound safe and do-able. Thank you for that!
Thank you for commenting! I’m glad I was able to help. I honestly wish I’d had this post before getting my first one done.
This is so an important topic. I think there is so much fear and horror stories surrounding Smear tests but it really isn’t that bad. You’ve mentioned some great points and I agree that its so important to ask the nurse any questions you might have. They will always be happy to answer them.
Thank you for commenting! Definitely good to ask the questions you need to ask
This is such an important post! I put my first one off for reasons I donβt even remember anymore but when I finally went it was absolutely fine. Now I have no problem going! Itβs just getting that first ever one done and out of the way β€οΈ
Thank you for commenting. Definitely just about getting that first one out of the way
I’m a few years off having my first smear test but the thought of it fills me with dread. I didn’t realise you could ask for a smaller speculum so that is definitely something to remember for when the times comes. Thank you for sharing this!
Tash – A Girl with a View
Thank you for commenting. When the time comes, just get it out of the way. Once the first one is over future ones don’t seem so bad.
This is so helpful mostly for someone who will get their first one done soon! I knew you could ask for a smaller speculum but it’s great that there are plenty of other tips to follow. thank you for sharing x
Thank you for commenting
Great post! I haven’t had a smear yet but I have done an IUD and that wasn’t too bad and I wasn’t uncomfortable. I’m turning 25 this year so I’ll be sure to book it. Thanks for sharing! This is super helpful. xx
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you for commenting. I’ve been looking into an IUD myself so I’m glad to hear it wasn’t too bad
This is such an important and insightful post Jodie! I remember having my first smear test 2 years ago and I was incredibly nervous but I’m so glad I had it done as it gave me peace of mind when I had the results and they thankfully came back ok! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you for commenting. I’m glad everything came back ok for you!
I wish posts like this had been accessible when I was younger, it would have helped to put me at ease before my first smear test.
Thank you for commenting! I agree would have been so handy
Honestly, i always dread smear tests. And I have been so unfortunate to find nurses that werenβt so gentle. I always dread it, but this is really helpful! I wish I had this kind of information before!
My mum is the same, even though she’s had good experiences she always dreads them. Thank you for commenting
I had my first smear test last week and I used some of these tips which were so helpful!
Katy | http://www.katystephenson.com | http://www.thegrownupsclub.com
Thank you. I hope it all went well and everything comes back clear
All very sensible tips! I was suffering from an awful anxiety disorder when I had my first smear at 25 but I didn’t let anything stop me getting it done so I did an awful lot of these to ensure my experience was as smooth as possible and I was very lucky to have such a wonderful doctor too. I’ve had abnormal cells and have HPV, so I have to have more regular smears, so I’m pretty used to them now!
I am happy to hear you got it done despite your anxiety! Glad you had a good doctor too, it can make the world of difference. It’s good they were able to find that out and it can be monitored.
I’m so happy that more people are talking about the dreaded smear test! I had my first one and didn’t really have a good or bad experience, it was just an experience. But my second one found some abnormal tissue and I had to go back for a biopsy. I was so scared, but it all turned out fine, and the actual experience itself was actually just like going to the doctors for anything. Every girl should go, and nothing helps more than the rest of us who have already been talking about our experiences! π
I’m glad everything turned out fine in the end! I agree that every girl should go.