Cervical screening/smear tests

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JLXRD

I had my cervical screening today, this is only my second one as I’m turning 28 soon but it hurt SO much.

I really don’t remember it hurting that much last time, I also bled a fair bit after so I don’t know if she was just a bit rough with me.

Have looked online and seems like that is perfectly normal but still has worried me a little bit as I just wasn’t expecting that level of pain tbh.

Anyone else had a similar experience and had their results come back okay?

Or if you have any advice/screening related stories would be interesting to know others experiences as it’s something most of us on this forum have to go through every few years!
 
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Countrybumpkingirl

Everytime I have mine (which is more frequent than most and started aged 21) they hurt like hell. Always have even when the results have been abnormal.
Don't be worried if you have HPV they say most people (pre vaccine days) will have it at some point.
I am waiting for my next colposcopy to see if things have settled down from last year or not. I had a scare just before the most important exams of my career so was not fun.
Also if it says abnormal do not panic, it doesn't mean cancer. If they are concerned what they will do is burn off any abnormal cells
 
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JLXRD

I’m pretty sure I have had the HPV vaccine, but not sure if you’re fully protected by that from getting HPV.

So sorry to hear you had a scare at such a bad time I can’t imagine how scary it must be when they come back abnormal.

Did you have any abnormal cells burned off? Did it hurt or are you put under general?

I was just so shocked at the pain. I remember it being uncomfortable last time but good to know that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.
 
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Frenchie

I had abnormal cells a few years back and a colposcopy and they zapped the abnormal cells away, had a biopsy too, just had another smear and it’s come back again hpv and abnormal so another colposcopy
Always a worry isn’t it but thank goodness we go is all I can say

I don’t ever remember any of mine hurting tbh, maybe a little uncomfortable if anything , it’s all perfectly normal like you say, well done on going
 
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GiftedNotFree

I had my 5 yearly routine exam a few weeks ago and it was honestly a breeze. The best smear experience I’ve had. The nurse was great; patient and kind. I was in and out in no time at all and it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. I think it’s important that people share the positive experiences too so that other people aren’t scared and put it off.

Also, the HPV vaccine doesn’t protect you from all strains of HPV (I think it’s approximately 90% of viruses) so even if you had the vaccine you can still contract HPV which can potentially result in cervical cancer.

You can also get cervical cancer without having HPV. The chances are super low but it’s still a possibility.
 
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Countrybumpkingirl

I'm waiting for my follow up at the hospital. Originally last year when I had the biopsy the consultant said at the time it looked bad and was probably grade 3 (nurse at GP told me that 4 days before my exam) but 2 days before the exam the official results came in saying grade 1 so they were going to test again in 12 months. Now with Covid everything was delayed and results came back from this year's smear at start of December, been told there is a 10 week wait for an apt so I am sure I will hear in the new year.
When I was 21 I had a scare (non stop bleeding for 6 months) and had cells removed then. Then after a year I got the all clear for nearly 9 years and then back again. I have such a complicated medical history and potential very rare autoimmune disease so I am used to tests, surgeries and bad news.
 

Voiceofreason2020

I wouldn’t worry about the pain, our bodies change so much throughout the years and it certainly wouldn’t hurt any more or any less if there was something wrong at smear stage - just think positive I know it’s easier said than done.

I had the loophole procedure twice after my first smear at 26 - it was absolutely fine. A bit of a shock but better that they find these things than to leave them and not be treated
 
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Olivemaks

This is so strange me just seeing this thread. I had my smear end of I titans they found abnormal cells. I’ve got my colposcopy tomorrow and I’m shitting it. I’ve just turned 25 and I’m shitting it. Im not sure if my appointment is still scheduled with this tier 3 happening now but wish me luck guys

Mine came back for HPV too I just don’t understand.. so many questions which I’ll ask at my colposcopy tomorrow. I just want this over and done with

I just turned 25 and had first smear end of October. Results came a week later with abnormal results and HPV so colposcopy tomorrow if Tier 3 hasn’t hasn’t delayed my apptmt. My smear didn’t hurt at all luckily felt like a little tickle. Only felt abit uncomfortable when she put the speculum in but was relatively quick and painless. Hoping to god the colposcopy doesn’t hurt. And I wish you all the best. You will be fine xx
 
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GiftedNotFree

Good luck for tomorrow, you’ll be fine. Just keep breathing and try and not let the worry of the unknowns stress you out.
 
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Voiceofreason2020

Don’t worry - they will make you as comfortable as possible and it will be over really quickly. You will be absolutely fine 🤍 x
 
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mcfeez

I had my 2nd smear last year and found it a lot more uncomfortable than my first one too - results came back normal. The nurse was even aware of how uncomfortable I was because she was checking repeatedly after that I was OK and saying not to let it put me off coming again. All in all it was a bit sore but it lasted less than 5 mins.
 
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OnlyHereForTheLolz

Just because it hurt doesn’t mean there is an issue. I hd an abnormal smear and it wasn’t painful at all.
I’ve also had a painful one and some with bleeding which were all normal.
She could’ve been to rough with you or maybe your private bits are just a little more sensitive.
Just keep an eye on it. It could also be an infection in which case you might need some anibiotics
 
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greenvelvet

It’s normal for it to pinch a bit and bleed - I had my first the other week and the lady told me that if you have strong pelvic floor muscles it can be a bit sorer, and if you’re nervous/stressed and clench more then it will be more uncomfortable too. She said also that sometimes the cervix can be raw.

I have a backwards-tilting uterus and all of the above happened, though I wasn’t super stressed. TW, but I was sexually assaulted a couple years ago and while luckily I felt it hadn’t psychologically impacted me, on my way to my test I started to really remember stuff and it was a bit upsetting. But the doctor/nurse/specialist that did it was really informative and comforting and it was fine. It’s really soothing when they explain stuff haha

Came back negative on all fronts today despite having concerning symptoms including breakthrough bleeding so safe to say it was worth going
 
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LennyBriscoe

I had mine on Monday and it was the worst one for me too. I’m 40 and in Scotland so I’ve had a few and I don’t remember them being that bad.

She hopes she got enough cells and so do I - I didn’t feel like I was tensing up or anxious so I’m not sure what I’ll do if I have to go back!
 
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Olivemaks

Hey guys. So upon further examination yesterday during my colposcopy she wasn’t happy the thickness of one area of my cervix. She took a biopsy and said I will get my results in about 4-5 weeks. Really nervous but it’s not the worse case scenario as it’s CIN 1 low grade changes which they will review yearly.. I wish all of you the best x
 
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Blakelycakey

My results of my smear came back as HPV positive and high grade (severe) dyskariosis. Went to the doctors with bleeding outside my cycle. My doctors messed up my medical records with someone else so I was recorded as having a smear in 2018. But as it transpired it wasn’t mine as I’d been heavily pregnant so I’ve actually not had a one for 7 years. They got me in for a smear the following week but now my results are back it’s worried me and just waiting on the colposcopy appointment now. It’s reassuring hearing everyone else’s experiences as since I’ve had that letter I’ve been tearful and worried about it all xx
 
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OnlyHereForTheLolz

I was very upset when I got the news I had an abnormal smear. My GP surgery hadn't even bothered to phon me I was sent a very generic letter with a leaflet. I phoned my mum crying (I am a bit of worrier bout my health) and she had me speak to my brother. And I tell you what, bless him, my brother actually explained abnormal smears to me in a very easy to understand manner and I loved how he did it.
He told me that basically an abnormal smear is like a mole that needs removing. You take care of it before it results into something like C. Now what a good analogy is that, I'm not worried about a mole as they are easy to treat and you know so is an abnormal smear
 
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