I had one done this week and still feel sore. I am a virgin and it always hurts more. This was my second time and the DR managed to do it third time lucky. I was so fidgety and first two times I pulled it away because I panicked. My own fault but feel sore and feels scratched. I know it will heal in time. DR was lovely and put me at ease I felt so sorry on her behalf due to me not relaxing.

Hi everyone

Im glad i found this thread, I feel im not alone in my recent experience after reading everyones comments.

So after having some issues regarding irregular periods I finally gave in and agreed to a smear test never had one before I am in my early 40s

Anyway lets just say all my fears about having one came true. The nurse talked me through it and explained what was going to happen etc. 

My experience on my first ever smear. It was really painful but thought maybe it was because id never had one before so tried to brave it until I had to ask her to stop anyway she took out the speculum I noticed it was covered in blood this freaked me out abit but I tried to remain calm she asked if she could try again I agreed and said yeah but I was feeling a little sick by this point, anyway she tried again but yet again couldnt cope with the pain she said I cant see your cervix can I ask the doctor to come in and see if she can feel for them and to let her do the smear so I agreed the doctor comes has feel around which was uncomfortable but not painful she said I cant feel your cervix, she asked the nurse for longer thinner speculum but they didnt have one so she tried a different one and asked me to put my fists under bottom so she could see better anyway it was still too painful and I asked them to stop I couldnt cope anymore. She said I will refer you to the hostpital as they have the longer speculum and stirrups which should make it more comfortable she told me my uterus is at the back not the front which is why having trouble locating my cervix. 

Not sure how much you are suppose to bleed but they seemed alot they gave me a pad to put on it was covered when I got home it only lasted until the next morning, the pain inside however lasted a couple of days. So after the ordeal I came away without a smear bleeding and in pain. I now have to go through it all again while also worrying about whats causing my irregular periods and 3 stone weight loss. I am so stressed right now.

I had my first one which was unsuccessful and was sore and in pain for a few days too. Was your first 2 unsuccesful too as you put 3rd time lucky??

I hope my next one is successful.

Hi everyone. I've just come back from my second attempt at getting a smear test in a week. A few years ago at my first ever smear test I was told I had a tilted uterus but the nurse managed to get it done after a lot of different positions and what felt like forever. The whole ordeal did put me off and so when I got my letter to tell me I needed to go again I put it off for ages. 
 

I'm now feeling even more anxious after two failed attempts. The nurse is going to refer me to the local hospital because she says they have different equipment and stirrups. She also told me my cervix is "very high up."

I got in my car and just cried. Everyone talks about how quick and easy smear tests are but I actually feel traumatised and now I have the anxious wait of having to go to a hospital. I'm also over weight and so I feel incredibly self conscious. 

What an awful experience and I can totally relate to how you feel.

So glad to have found this page too it just shows how common but a rarely spoken about problem.

Thats brillant news being referred and a nurse that takes notice of her patient rather than fobs you off for a rebook.

Please try not to worry. The equipment will just get you in the right angle and from my experience it was so much less painful all thanks to the table raising feet end.

All doctors surgerys need to cater more for us and to try and make the whole experience less of a trauma. Yes even the having to build yourself back up to go again no one should have to go through that.

Your spot on with how friends and family see a smear test  as they seem to sail in and out of own appoinment with a bit of discomfort.  

We are all beautiful and unique and so are cervix. # tilted brigade

I hope you don't have to wait long for your appointment and please update on how you get on.

Best Wishes

Hi ladies welcome

[@sjh28]‍ I am wondering if you bled with you having a tilted uterus and them trying to locate your cervix? I did it was a lot too.Like you I have been referred to the hospital I go next week will let you know how it goes on, this attempt was my first ever smear so feel really anxious about next week. Good luck with yours.

I’d be really interested to know how you managed to get this done 

when you say local do you mean you were awake or was it general anaesthetic? 

Thank you all for posting . I felt so pathetic at my test yesterday and in pain afterwards which I had not experienced as badly as this . Is it age ? I am 61 . It hurts when I pee . I had never bled before and had never felt as sore or so much discomfort. Can only hope I don't get recalled or if I do the nurse is more proficient I don't think she used enough lubricant . Any advice for next time ? Why do women have to suffer so much if it was men they would have invented a better method . From Relieved but sore

I am not a virgin.  I have had sex with my husband for over 30 years but I also have had the same problem having a smear.  The last 2 times I have had smears I have had to go through at least 5 attempts before a smear was taken and each time a different nurse was called for the final attempt.  I am due to go again and I am dreading go through it all over again. I personally put it down to inexperienced nurses doing the smears.   The last time I went I was told to tell future nurses doing smears to point to 2 o'clock to find the cervix as it apparently moves through the month.  I am also working myself into a state before I go on Monday.