Hi

I haven't had a smear test for over 10  years I'm 38!!! I've had really bad experiences and it hurts so much to have a smear test. 
 

ive been waiting a year to see a gynaecologist and I went to see him last week. They wanted to perform a hysteroscopy test, which is where they insert a camera into your uterus and take images. I've been having heavy periods. I explained I can't even have a smear test!!! 
 

He was so understanding and I said I can't stand my periods anymore they are effecting my Life. He agreed to do the hysteroscopy under genera Anastasia and he'll do a smear test while I'm under and give me a coil

i got a phone call him his secretary today to give me the appointment in two weeks time. I asked her if I could go to work the next day as I'm A carer. She said to me "well that's your choice , you are having a procedure done that you can easily have while your awake". Then she laughed and said but your having it done under general. I felt awful after her phone call: if I could have it done while I'm awake I obviously would. 
 

hope you got it sorted hun 

I'm in the same situation, I haven't had a smear test in over 10 year. I haven't had any kids and I'm in the same sex relationship. I am going to finally have a smear under general anaesthetic. Hope you got sorted, I have my appointment in two weeks time 

I have to say all of these posts have given me hope. I am in my 30s struggle with smears (never been able to have one). I am due AGAIN soon and hope I can request a general or sedation. I have tried to get a smear on 3 separate occasions, each one leaves me feeling silly, emotional and completely flat. I can't use tampons or have full penetrative sex as my muscles contract with touch. I am hoping to have an open discuss with my GP and get a positive outcome. Thanks again everyone for sharing I have felt so alone with this for years and glad I stumbled across this forum!

I too have severe anxiety with physical touch. I was unable to access a smear at my local GP, and felt like a failure after 3 attempts.

In the end I was referred to gynaecology to have one completed in the hospital. I was also prescribed some diazepam for the day. I Was given a practice speculum from my GP ( a few disposable plastic ones) which I practiced with myself at home.  The nurse at the Hospital was LOVELY, and told me it happens to a lot of people.  As she was very experienced she was able to use the smallest size, and the appointment was over very quickly, minimal pain. 
another tip is  a friend gave was if you practice with the speculum, and then on the day you can insert it yourself. 
 

of course get the GA if you want, whatever makes you feel best!! 

Hi, did you have to have several failed attempts before they referred you?

Can I ask where you got it done? Was it through the NHS? I'm struggling to find anywhere that will sedate me & the way of the world today means my gp won't refer me because of wait rimes 

Hi there. I came searching on line as had a letter saying I am again due cervical screening and I was  wondering if there was a gentler way of screening. I'm putting my story out there to reassure others that you're not alone! I'm almost 64 and live in Wales. Putting it bluntly - I'm well past the menopause and have not been in a relationship for 12 years. You can imagine the state of my vagina!The last smear was unsuccesful pre-covid due to me stopping it as it was so painful. Since then I've refused until they find a less barbaric and less painful way of testing women who have vaginas that won't play the game! I know Nurses disaprove of my stance when they have verbally pressured me but they are much younger and have no idea of the pain! I've decided to flippin well take my chances due to age and lack of sexual activity. I have all the other routine screening tests I'm called up for but refuse for this one. 

I'm so glad I found this form today, just had my second failed smear test. And cried again, feel like such a failure to be honest. But I just am so grateful to have found this and hear every ones stories it's made me feel so much better. I've been told that I will be referred to the hospital, unsure if it'll be any better but I'm willing to try to get this done as I know how important it is. 
It's just so painful :( and I hope that attempt 3 will be better. 

You're in good company here. I felt exactly the same as you. No one talks about these struggles publicly so we feel alone and like failures, but as you can see from this chat you are not alone. You are not a failure. Be strong because you'll get there in the end. I wish you all the best with the hospital and keeping my fingers crossed for you x