Posted , 3 users are following.
After 4 attempts the midwife cannot find my cervix to do a smear test. I am 50 and have passed the menopause. I've been referred to a gynaecology clinic. What else can they do in order to do the test? Surely I'm not the only one. Can find NOTHING on the internet about this?
0 likes, 9 replies
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Purpledobermann Nutters
Posted
This happens sometimes - usually it is structural and existent from birth, coming with retroverted uterus OR a new tilt occurs moving cervix to the side and difficult to view/access after birth, c-section and certain conditions including endometriosis.
An ultrasound will confirm its location and if this is a new development, they will check if anything obvious is causing the new tilt.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
Nutters Purpledobermann
Posted
Thanks for your response
No pap smear recently at all. No children and no endometriosis. I do have a retroverted uterus - had a trans-vaginal scan a few months ago showing this and also a 9cm subserosal fibroid. Whilst I didn't find the scan a problem I felt quite bruised for a week afterwards
Purpledobermann Nutters
Posted
Ultrasound will be able to clarify. Will you be removing the fibroid as well?
Nutters Purpledobermann
Posted
Thanks again. They won't take the fibroid - the only option would be a hysterectomy apparently. But I don't know why this is and why they can't just take the fibroid . I wasn't too happy with the gynaecologist I saw. I'm seeing another one in a couple of weeks
Purpledobermann Nutters
Posted
Nutters
Posted
A quick update to say I saw a gynaecologist at Guys Hospital a couple of weeks ago. She was able to find the cervix and take the smear. It did take a while a lots of cushions - my uterus is very retroverted! But virtually no discomfort.
Just to add that the service at Guys was fantastic - not busy, was seen 15 minutes early and the doctor spent 30 minutes with me discussing this issue and fibroids. She did say it was possible to treat my fibroid with an embolization - not necessarily a hysterectomy. But I'll wait and see on that.
Purpledobermann Nutters
Posted
Great news. At least that is out of the way!
Did she mention why they can't simply remove the fibroid? Subserosals are usually really easily removed either by laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. I am not sure why a hysterectomy would have been an option in any case anymore?
Nutters
Posted
Purpledobermann Nutters
Posted
hahaha of course they lost it! Murphy's law isn't it
pricelss. I am so glad you are done with that...uuum again. At least now you know where to go for the special chair and someone who can actually find your uterus when needed! 