Hi ah1, 

I'm sorry about the trouble you've had with your smear tests. It sounds like it's been tough so I hope this one will take away the stress and pain this has been causing.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find anyone speaking about this on the forum lately but hopefully my reply will bring new members to you that have had this done.

Our cancer nurses are just a phone call away on 0808 800 4040 if you'd like to discuss this with them as well.

Kind regards, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi ah1

sorry to hear this, have you had it done now?

I have put off smears as I also find it so very painful and have had a number of failed ones and internal examinations.

it causes so much stress and anxiety, I find that no one else seems to have so much pain.

hope it all went ok.

I’ve had a similar experience - failed smear tests. Since the last failed one, I was prescribed Vagifem pessaries (for dryness after menopause). I was also advised to take Valium before the test. This test was attempted today. I took twice the amount of Valium advised, (I have a strong tolerance) but still I couldn’t bear the pain. I asked about anaesthesia as a last resort, but have been told by both my GP and nurse, that is not an option for smear tests. Have they give me duff information? I just can’t bear the thought of another attempt. This last week I have been so stressed about it. This is apparently the last one I need (I am 61). I never had problems in the past - my last one being 5 years ago.

Hi, I had a failed smear test this morning, I am 57 and going through the menopause and this was the most painful to date - I cried.  Its never been easy since a teenager as I have curvature of the spine and my cervix is hidden around the corner but now the added problem of dryness (the nurse words were raw) so I have now been referred to the hospital.  My last test 5 years wasnt that much better due to bleeding it caused, I had to go into hospital to have my cervix cortorised amongst other things and asked for the smear to be done then which it was (Private Healthcare).  I would much rather have a general too, I have not had children so this probably doesnt help either.  I am very reluctant to attend the appointment when it comes through, I will see how I feel when it does, I wonder if in advance they will prescribe the pessaries you speak of?

Hi, that’s awful what you are going through. They should definitely prescribe the pessaries, which should at least help. I haven’t had children either, and also wonder if that doesn’t help. I saw my GP yesterday, and she is talking about using a “numbing” gel, where hopefully I shouldn’t feel anything. This probably won’t be till January though, and the longer I wait, the more I worry, which doesn’t help! If that fails, then she will refer me to a gynaecologist. Apparently they can use gas to relax you, much as they do with women giving birth. But who knows how long the waiting list will be? It’s good to know I’m not the only one to suffer, although it sounds worse for you. Please don’t give up hope, and enquire with your GP about what options are available. Also, definitely ask for the pessaries! In case you are wondering what they are - I think they have a localised hormone for women who have been/going through the menopause. They are much safer than using pills - HRT. Good luck.

In reply to purpleheather and suepe.

Like both of you I have problems having smears due to a very high twisted cervix and tight muscles. I was refered to the hospital after an unsuccessful painful experience with g.p. After another unsuccessful attempt at the hospital by the lovely nurses there I was refered to the gynae consultant. Today under his care I have had a smear done under general anesetic. I spoke to him before hand saying that I felt really embarrassed about having such a simple procedure done under general. He told me he had done ten already this week!!! So it's not unheard of so push to have one.

I am 30 years old and have never been able to have a successful smear test due to suffering from vaganismus all my life.

My GP referred me to have this done under a general.

Today I had my consultation at the hospital and they agreed that the risks of me not having the test now outweighted the risks of a general so signed off for it to be done.

I am now waiting for my date to have this done.

Update ....

Hi, well the dreaded hospital appointment came through and I went last Thursday - waste of time that was - cried then too when I came out, all worked up for nothing!   After the nurse referred me I made a seperate appointment with the GP with out any promting from the nurse I might add, as would still have the same problem and she gave me a prescription for vaginal tablets twice a week BUT said if I get headaches or pains in my legs not to insert - well that put me right off as have varicose veins and pains in my legs all the time, would I know the difference - so didnt fill the prescription.  The doctor at the hospital was absolutely fuming to put it midly that my GP/nurse had not automatically prescribed tablets to use on alternate days for a whole 6 weeks before my appointment - I owned up to the GP visit and told her my concerns but that made her angry and she said rubbish to what the GP had said. The nurse at my practise also told me the hospital would have a chair they could move into all different positions to make it comfortable for me with my hip problem - the bed at the hospital was no different to the one in the doctor surgery.  I am now using the tablets, inserted the second dose last night but not happy about it but if it gets me though then so be it.  My next appointment is at the end of March, I will keep you informed.  I have also noticed other postings from younger ladies so we are definately not along.  Speak soon.

Hi, I have just posted an update today to purple heather.  Your posting has given me & purple heather hope that if all else fails the consultant may let me have a general for what could be my last one?

Hi, have you had this done yet - good luck and keep us all updated.