Top tips to make your cervical smear more comfortable | pap smear cervical screening
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- čas přidán 8. 05. 2023
- Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers and getting your screening can help stop it before it starts.
Reasons cervical screening (aka cervical/ pap smears) is important:
• Screening helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for certain types of the HPV virus which can cause cell changes to your cervix.
• Cell changes are easily treated and this prevents cervical cancer from developing.
• It’s a few minutes that could save your life.
What happens during a cervical screening appointment?
After having a short discussion about your history, your nurse or doctor will ask you to lie down on an examination couch.
They will gently insert a speculum (which is a smooth, tube-shaped tool) into your vagina. They will open it to see your cervix, and using a soft brush, they will take a small sample of cells from your cervix. Your sample is sent to a lab where it is first tested for the types of HPV (human papillomavirus) that can cause cervical cancer. If this is positive, they look at the cells from your cervix closer under a microscope.
For the majority of women, cervical screening tests are not painful. If you have concerns about your cervical screening, book an appointment to chat them through with your doctor or nurse. Remember you are in control and can ask to stop at any time.
These tips can help make the screening more comfortable:
1. Empty your bladder just before your appointment
2. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you’re nervous. If you feel comfortable, share any history that is relevant, such vaginismus or previous sexual trauma
3. Ask for a smaller speculum or ask to insert the speculum yourself
4. Ask them to let you know just before it’s inserted
5. Breathe out as the speculum is inserted
6. If you are not comfortable ask to try a different position such as shifting your buttocks or placing your hands beneath the small of your back to elevate your pelvis
7. Use headphones to listen to music or meditation tracks, or try some simple breathing techniques to help you relax
Don’t ignore your cervical screening invite - book your appointment now!
For more info visit @NHS www.nhs.uk/cervicalscreening.
I never thought of asking if I can insert the speculum myself! It often pinches things and pokes things when it's inserted. Will be trying this, thank you!
I wish we were allowed to choose whether to do this or not. My PCP wont allow me back in the practice unless I have a pap and pelvic. My last doctor told me that same thing, that it's part of a wellness exam and I have to do it. I think that's wrong.
I’m getting a Pap smear tomorrow and I’m scared and these helped
I bled horribly after they put the mascara looking thing in there. I had to rush to ER. I also went to a well known OBGYN in Henderson NV
In this day and age, there should be proper pain relief
Or 8 like most women prefer anyway just do it at home in send it in the mail or drop it off at the doctors office. Men get a similar test for STDs and the kit can easily be done at home.
hi i’m pretty late to this but do you think i could be given anxiety medicine before it? i’m extremely nervous & i don’t think i’ll be calm enough on my own
I went for mine today and I couldn’t do it I tensed up so much I have to go back
For a mom how would obgyn delivery her baby
Still do not want this unnecessary thing
Wow they don't have to treat you like a turkey they're stuffing? They can give you choice? And empowerment?
I’m getting my Pap smear on Friday. I’m scared and nervous 😰
This may not be the place to ask as you posted this so long ago but I’m 21 and in the next week have my first gynecologist visit, I’m worried about getting a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, or a trans vaginal ultrasound (basically any invasive procedure)
Hi I was just wondering is that ok if a mom is 40 weeks pregnancy