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I am due a cervical screening test and I am worried that it might cause pain. What do you advise?

Posted , 5 users are following.

rachel42392
rachel42392

I am going through the peri menopause and have never had full intercourse as I have panic attacks because of past sexual abuse. I was advised not to have one in my twenties and given an alternative test in a private clinic. I'm worried that I might get cancer.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • JoyKF53
    JoyKF53 rachel42392

    Posted

    Hi Rachel. I'm so sorry to hear about the abuse that you suffered and perfectly understand your fears. Cervical screening is extremely important and every woman should have it. Go to your doctor or practice nurse and explain your concerns, there are many things that can be done to make the experience less of an ordeal. The fact that you have never had full intercourse should not be a problem. Believe it or not there are many women who have not been sexually active who have cervical smear or psp tests without problem. See your doctor or nurse, you won't be the first woman who has similar problems.

    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53

      Posted

      Pap test, not psp!
  • catherine35598
    catherine35598 rachel42392

    Posted

    Hi Rachel

    After having chemo in 2014 which brought on the menopause, I have experienced a lot of pain down below and vaginal dryness.  There are some pessaries and creams available on prescription that can ease the symptoms. I was due for my first smear test since the chemo last October and dreaded it.  I broke down in front of the nurse because I couldn't go through with it.  I made an appointment with a female doctor who was very sympathetic and very gentle.  It was still quite uncomfortable, but I did some deep breathing and tried to focus on other things which did help. Cervical screening is very important so please go.  I built it all up in my head, but it wasn't as bad as I thought.  Please be brave and go along.  Hope this helps.... good luck, hun! :-) xx

     

  • stephie2
    stephie2 rachel42392

    Posted

    Firstly the smear test is not as scary as it seems.  They simply put lots of lube on the sputum and then it is inserted.  Once inside it takes a small sample which is sometimes uncomfortable but not painful or shouldn't be.  I would make an appointment to see the Practice Nurse and let her know of your worries.  She will talk you through any worries that you may have and go through the procedure with you in detail.  

  • betterMonica
    betterMonica rachel42392

    Posted

    Dear Rachel, that is not painful at all. Don't be worried about it. It feels like you want to pee 

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