Unseen cervix at smear test

Hello, I went for my smear test yesterday and the nurse could not see my cervix and apparently I was bleeding heavily on 'first touch', my smear is overdue I will be honest. She asked me alot of questions about bleeding during periods, discharge, and then said she need to do me a referral to hospital, who actually phoned me already this morning with an appointment.  I have been bleeding since I came back from my smear appointment and have back pain, is this anything to worry about. Obviously I am stressing out as she took so long trying to find my cervix and said she couldn't preform the smear test and without sounding rude I could feel her wiping blood away from me but the strange thing was I couldn't feel blood coming out of me. I just really wondered if this kind of thing is normal or if I should be worried? Many thanks for taking the time to read this. X I am 44yrs old and in perimenopause. I was also meant to be having the coil fitted at the same time but she couldn't do that either. I was mid cycle of my period and have no had sex for over a year. If any of that info helps x 

  • Hello Brit1978

    Thank you for posting in our Ask the Nurses topic area. The nurse team are out of office for the festive period.

    The office reopens on Wednesday 28th to 30th Dec 9am to 5pm. Then closed 5pm 30th Dec, back on 3rd Jan 2023 to 6th Jan, as normal 9am to 5pm.

    They will reply as soon as they can but you’re also welcome to contact them on 0808 800 4040 during opening hours.

    Best wishes,
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hello Brit1978 and thanks for posting,

    Sometimes the cervix can bleed because of a smear test, this can happen just from the irritation caused by the procedure, so in itself I don't think this is particularly worrying, but I can't say for sure if there is any more to it.

    It sounds that the nurse wasn't able to see well enough to take a screening sample of cells from the correct part of the cervix so it make sense to arrange the appointment which I assume is for a close examination of the cervix (colposcopy). This uses strong magnification with good light to help a specialist nurse or doctor take a look at the health of the cervix.  When you go for the colposcopy, they will be able to tell you you what they think on the day, do ask questions if anything isn't  clear. 

    Things like this are inevitably unsettling, if not worrying, but very often it is a question of making sure that everything is as it should be. Try not to over think and keep an open mind. 

    Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over, Our number is  Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday, we are closed on 2nd January. 

    Wishing you the best, 

    Julia