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Cervical screening test unsuccessful and unbearable - Help!

ash_lee
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Really need some advice on how to proceed after being unable to do a smear test due to the pain!

I recently got invited to book my first cervical screening test, and although I am a virgin I did some research and saw there is still some value to getting the test done even with no past sexual activity. At the appointment once the nurse found out I was a virgin she said I didn't need to have it done but it was up to me. I went ahead just so I could have the peace of mind knowing if there was anything abnormal going on, as there are other causes of cervical cancer. 

However, the pain was so unbearable that I had to stop twice and couldn't try again, and the speculum wasn't even all the way in (the smallest was used). I was also confused as the nurse didn't apply any lubricant but I think I was in so much pain I didn't think to ask. I was also bleeding afterwards but the nurse put this down to me being a virgin and said the pain and blood was likely to me being a virgin or the speculum breaking my hymen a bit. 

This experience has made me terrified to try again and I really want to as I have also noticed spotting in between periods which is new for my cycle. Has anyone else had painful smear experiences and what have your options been after? I'm also worried I may have something else causing the pain when the nurse tried to insert the speculum. 

Sorry there's so much to read but does anyone have any advice or experience they could share with me? Or could it be just be down to the fact that I am a virgin? 

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    Think you should cheek with your GP What are the best merhods to dicover without doing that ... As a virgin ia too painfull to get that thing ... All the best.

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    Hi I'm sorry that your smear test was unbearable and that you've had bleeding because of it. It must be worrying for you that you weren't able to get a successful smear test, especially since you have had spotting between periods.

    I think you should tell your gp about the spotting between your periods and raise your worries about the smear test and see if they think you should get it or have other tests instead. 

    I've had bleeding between periods but I can't have a smear test since I'm 23. They decided to do blood tests, an abdominal ultrasound, urine test and vaginal swab. They were normal so hopefully it means that it's unlikely that there's anything wrong. I've never been sexually active either so they didn't offer me a smear test or transvaginal ultrasound.

    Hope everything turns out okay for you.

  • Hello, and thank you for posting and I'm sorry you are having this problem. 

    Smears can be very uncomfortable for some women, regardless of their virginity status. I've placed here some information here from the Jo's trust website on painful smears with some tips of what may help.

    Do talk it all through with your nurse, and think of how you might feel more relaxed so releasing the tension in your muscles, making the procedure easier. 

    Take care, and I hope this gets sorted for you.

    Sarah

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