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Perimenopause smear test - bleeding

Lavender26
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Hi all.. Had a horrible experience with a nurse doing a pap smear in April.. she was rough, uncaring and dismissive.

I have always had smears with this nurse for many many years. They have always been slightly painful and uncomfortable. But this was something on another level. Long story short she binned the smear and told me to rebook for another in 2 weeks. Which I now know 12 weeks. I came out saying I will never have another and I was in bits.  I have had 2 children no pain relief so fairly tough. So eventually I gained courage to book at a sexual health clinic. All I can say is wow. She was caring, understanding and not rude. No discomfort no pain. My only concern is the sample brush was covered in blood and she told me cervix was a little red. She thought its vaginal atrophy as im in perimenopause also my bladder has dropped significantly. (My regular nurse has never told me any of this info.)

I had 2 difficult births which I should have had assistance, but I didn't get any.

 Im worried about the blood mainly as it may not be good enough to test or its cancer? Any advice would be welcome as im anxious regarding the results. Thx xx

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    Mine was also covered in blood but my test was sent off and it was a normal result.

    Dont worry about the blood on the brush, time to worry is if you are still bleeding a couple of days later or if there is a smell to it or unusual discharge which could mean infection. 

  • Offline in reply to Clastegra

    Oh thank you.. im googling like crazy. Awake at 3.30am thinking the worst. Fingers crossed its just the wait. 

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your previous experiences of having your cervical screening test but glad you had a lovely nurse at the sexual health clinic.

    Try not to over think things if you can for now. Redness in the cervix is often caused by cervical ectropians that easily bleed. These aren't cancer but can be treated if causing symptoms. As the nurse also mentioned vaginal atrophy is also common in perimenopause/menopause as this causes the tissues to become thinner and more delicate.

    Alongside this many women may also experience a dropping of the bladder, bowel or uterus as the pelvic floor muscles become weaker and more lax causing a prolapse. As and when the bladder drops it is known as a cystocele, these vary in severity and don't always cause people issues. However if they are causing symptoms there are things such as pelvic floor exercises, vaginal estrogen and pessaries that can be used to help manage this. Do speak with your own GP if you are concerned about this and need further advice and guidance about what to do.

    Blood on a screening sample can often still be processed and shouldn't affect the test result, so don't worry about this.

    Remember screening is all about prevention and picking up abnormality at a stage where it can be monitored or treated to prevent cancer. The first test caried out is to check for HPV that is known to be responsible for abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. If this is clear you will be put back to be followed up in 5 years.

    If HPV is detected then they will also check the sample for abnormal cells and if no cells are found you will need to have a repeat of the screening in a years time to check it has cleared. However if abnormal cells are found you will be seen in colposcopy where they can take a closer look and plan treatment to remove the areas of abnormality if necessary.

    Remember than abnormal cells aren't cancer but rather pre cancerous that may turn into cancer overtime. In the rare occasion that cervical cancer is found through screening it is often at a very early stage where it can be successfully treated.

    I hope this helps and you know more soon. In the meantime if you have more questions do get back or give us a call if you prefer. Our number is 0808 800 4040 and we're here weekdays 9-5.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

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