Cervical screening/smear tests

[frillylilly]

Just popping up to share my experience of my first smear test and colposcopy in an attempt to calm any worries or encourage people to go.

First up - I had my first smear test in December 2020, at nearly 30. I'd been putting it off for years and, as I'd moved around a bit, never had a letter asking me to go. I have quite bad hypochondria/health anxiety and, as much as I knew it was important to go, I felt sick every time I thought aboutit and before i knew it, 5 years had passed.

Anyway, a couple of months ago I had some bleeding after sex (nothing really heavy, cleared up in a few hours, but it hadn't happened before) and so I bit the bullet and called the doctor. She booked me in for a smear.

The smear was done by a nurse and she was lovely (she actually went on to tell me that when she first met her husband and they were 'at it like rabbits' she had bleeding after sex frequently and it just kind of turned out to be from the actual bashing around in sex, nothing sinister). I pretty much burst into tears as soon as I went into the room but she was really soothing. Part of the worry of going for a smear after having put it off for so long was because I was worried the nurse would tell me off - she didn't, she just said 'make sure not to put it off again'. She used a small speculum and after a couple of false starts where she didn't quite get the angle right, it really wasn't very painful. The speculum pinches a bit and you're aware that something is...'opening' you up, but I didn't feel any scraping or really anything from when she was taking the sample. It was over really quickly.

I had to wait a while for my results and put it to the back of my mind. My results came back as positive for HPV and as showing signs of low grade dyskaryosis. I was a mess - coupled with the bleeding (that didn't happen again btw) I was convinced something terrible was wrong and it was all my fault for missing my smear etc. I was asked to go for a colposcopy - cue a month of worrying myself to death.

Colposcopy was last week and, despite working myself into a frenzy, it was again fine. There were three nurses in there with me and they were, again, all lovely. I had to put my legs in stirrups (which I found scary but was actually kind of comfy) and they then use the speculum - i actually found this more comfortable this time, despite being more scared. The nurse did warn that I might feel a bit of tingling where she was applying solutions to test the cells - I did feel tingling but it really didn't hurt. It took longer than the smear but again, really not that long. The nurses were talking to me and it was over quickly. The tests showed everything was normal and all I have to do now is go for a smear in a year.

Still haven't gotten to the bottom of that incident of bleeding, which is playing on my mind, but just wanted to share a positive experience!

 

[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

 

[openbook1]

I have a terrible time with smear tests. I had a very traumatic medical experience to due with my vagina when I was a teenager and as a result have "medical setting" vaginismus. Basically my muscles clench so hard from anxiety that the speculum can't go in, it hurts a lot. I tried Ativan and that didn't help. I have since had two tests done under a mild sedation. Both of them came back with insufficiant results so I need it done again. I was going to therapy to try to work through my problem but it stopped due to covid. It is exposure therapy so doing it virtually won't help.
My case of vaginismus is unique as I can have sex with my husband as I am relaxed. Many folks with it can't.
I wish you could get at home pap kits as I think I would be more relaxed in my own environment. Lol.

 

[JLXRD]

Got my results back and all clear so I guess the pain and bleeding are completely normal like everyone said! What a relief.
Results were very quick too, when you consider I had the smear 15/12 and I got my letter 24/12 (they originally said could take up to 6 weeks!)

 

[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

 

[blondelolita]

My only smear was absolutely agonising, they couldn’t find my cervix and had to try different sizes and lengths and I bled a lot for a couple of days after. (Apparently I have a tilted cervix, so I found out). I would do it again in a heartbeat and I encourage anyone to.

 

[aaliyahplz]

I just had my first one this morning I convinced myself to be brave and it wouldn't hurt that much but wowwww it really really did and there was so much bleeding like it was all over the sheet on the bed and the sample, she said it's because of hormones but even she was a bit like wtf that it is a lot of blood and I think it might be because of the pill i'm on but it was a lot more than I was expecting so hopefully that's normal bc there was a lot lol?

I think the overall experience was better than I expected because I got all worked up about it (especially when I received the letter asking to book because i'm not 25 yet and it was unexpected) but it was over quick and then nurse was really nice and it wasn't as awkward asI thought it would be, but she also had trouble locating my cervix idk if that's normal so i think it took a bit longer? Anyway glad I got it out of the way for now just super surprised by how much blood there was and the pain level because everyone convinced me I wouldn't feel it now just nervous for the result because I have anxiety

An update that I got my results back today and was HPV negative, so nothing to worry about glad I booked it and got it out of the way before I was 25 and the blood was nothing to worry about

 

[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

 

[GiftedNotFree]

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

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

 

[Olivemaks]

Just popping up to share my experience of my first smear test and colposcopy in an attempt to calm any worries or encourage people to go.

First up - I had my first smear test in December 2020, at nearly 30. I'd been putting it off for years and, as I'd moved around a bit, never had a letter asking me to go. I have quite bad hypochondria/health anxiety and, as much as I knew it was important to go, I felt sick every time I thought aboutit and before i knew it, 5 years had passed.

Anyway, a couple of months ago I had some bleeding after sex (nothing really heavy, cleared up in a few hours, but it hadn't happened before) and so I bit the bullet and called the doctor. She booked me in for a smear.

The smear was done by a nurse and she was lovely (she actually went on to tell me that when she first met her husband and they were 'at it like rabbits' she had bleeding after sex frequently and it just kind of turned out to be from the actual bashing around in sex, nothing sinister). I pretty much burst into tears as soon as I went into the room but she was really soothing. Part of the worry of going for a smear after having put it off for so long was because I was worried the nurse would tell me off - she didn't, she just said 'make sure not to put it off again'. She used a small speculum and after a couple of false starts where she didn't quite get the angle right, it really wasn't very painful. The speculum pinches a bit and you're aware that something is...'opening' you up, but I didn't feel any scraping or really anything from when she was taking the sample. It was over really quickly.

I had to wait a while for my results and put it to the back of my mind. My results came back as positive for HPV and as showing signs of low grade dyskaryosis. I was a mess - coupled with the bleeding (that didn't happen again btw) I was convinced something terrible was wrong and it was all my fault for missing my smear etc. I was asked to go for a colposcopy - cue a month of worrying myself to death.

Colposcopy was last week and, despite working myself into a frenzy, it was again fine. There were three nurses in there with me and they were, again, all lovely. I had to put my legs in stirrups (which I found scary but was actually kind of comfy) and they then use the speculum - i actually found this more comfortable this time, despite being more scared. The nurse did warn that I might feel a bit of tingling where she was applying solutions to test the cells - I did feel tingling but it really didn't hurt. It took longer than the smear but again, really not that long. The nurses were talking to me and it was over quickly. The tests showed everything was normal and all I have to do now is go for a smear in a year.

Still haven't gotten to the bottom of that incident of bleeding, which is playing on my mind, but just wanted to share a positive experience!

This is my EXACT same experience as you. Identical however I’ve just turned 25 and they invited me for a smear two years ago. I ignored it as I was so scared and finally went last year mid October. Painless smear. I agree you feel the speculum but it’s not painful and around three weeks later I got the letter saying, I had abnormal cells low grade and HPV. I was gutted too, then had my colposcopy apptmnt Mid December part of my cervix was thick. The results came back pretty fast as CIN1 and reassured me it was very common and not to worry. They’ll just give smears more often! I’m so glad I went. Any woman worrying. Please don’t work yourself up about it.. best thing to do is just get it over and done with. It’s worth it x

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

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

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

 

[Frenchie]

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

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 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!

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

 

[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

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

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 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!

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

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

Oh my god thank you! This is what I needed to hear right now! Same just got the generic letter and leaflet and obviously turned to google! Which is not your friend. But hearing you say it like that makes complete sense! Yes I would worry a little about a mole but wouldn’t panic and think the absolute worst like I have done with this. Thank you so much it has definitely calmed me down! Xx

I'm so glad that helped, I use that analogy now with everybody because having moles removed is talked about more and doesn't seem so scary.

I had my cells burned away (can't remember what the procedure is called) and if you are having that done my advice is to pinch your nose shut or have something that smells nice under your nose.
I could smell my flesh burning and that smell still makes my stomache turn. Really wish they warned me about the smell

 

[ChipsAhoy]

I am ashamed to say at 32 and after kids I have never had a smear. I know this is awful, it’s definitely oh my must do / priority list

 

[aaliyahplz]

I just had my first one this morning I convinced myself to be brave and it wouldn't hurt that much but wowwww it really really did and there was so much bleeding like it was all over the sheet on the bed and the sample, she said it's because of hormones but even she was a bit like wtf that it is a lot of blood and I think it might be because of the pill i'm on but it was a lot more than I was expecting so hopefully that's normal bc there was a lot lol?

I think the overall experience was better than I expected because I got all worked up about it (especially when I received the letter asking to book because i'm not 25 yet and it was unexpected) but it was over quick and then nurse was really nice and it wasn't as awkward asI thought it would be, but she also had trouble locating my cervix idk if that's normal so i think it took a bit longer? Anyway glad I got it out of the way for now just super surprised by how much blood there was and the pain level because everyone convinced me I wouldn't feel it now just nervous for the result because I have anxiety

 

[Blakelycakey]

I am ashamed to say at 32 and after kids I have never had a smear. I know this is awful, it’s definitely oh my must do / priority list

Please please go! I know is hard! I’m 34 with 3 little ones. It’s a pain making time to get booked in but quick and painless check... wouldn’t want to imagine the consequences if I hadn’t have chased my appointment up xxxx

 

[Voiceofreason2020]

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

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

 

[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.

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

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!

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