Hi

I'm so glad I found this forum as it really helped me prepare for my smear test under GA which took place yesterday.  I thought I'd share my experience here in case it helps anyone.

So, after 3 failed smear tests as it was too painful (2 at my local GP by a nurse and the 3rd at the hospital by a gynaecologist) I was referred to the hospital to have it done under GA.

I had one pre-op assessment over the phone which lasted about 30 mins where they asked about my general health condition and then another at the hospital which lasted 10 mins - checked my height, weight, blood pressure and a MRSA swab. This was in Oct. Then in late Nov I got a call to ask if I can be booked in for Dec but as I was catching a flight less than a week after the proposed date I couldn't take it so they said they'll call me back.

Fast forward to last week and they gave me a date less than a week away. Luckily I was available.

Appointment was booked in for 12.30pm at the hospital. I was seen by a nurse, 2 anaesthetists and the consultant conducting the procedure who all asked me the same questions - name, dob, allergies, have you had surgery before.  The consultant said that it's best if they perform both a smear and colposcopy plus a possible biopsy to save me coming back again as just doing a smear may result in abnormal cells so a 2 in 1 job!  I agreed it was a good idea and I signed it off.

Lots of waiting around and I was finally called at 3.30pm to change into the gown, sexy paper knickers and DVT socks. They took me a room where they stuck the cannula in (it bloody hurt and they smiled and said it was a paediatric one and shouldn't hurt!). They told me that they were putting saline in and then the drugs.  They put a mask over me and told me to breathe normally. I looked at the clock, it was 3.50pm.  The next thing I knew I had people calling my name. I woke up, noticed I was in a different room and it was 4.50pm. I was also very sore below.  They gave me a warm blanket and the consultant came over and said that it went well. They found a polyp and removed it for tests. I was taken to the recovery ward where I was asked if I wanted something to eat  - of course I did. it was now nearly 6pm and I hadn't eaten since 6.30am that morning! Great I had my appetite and I was also able to go to the loo although I had noticed that I had no knickers and I had a massive sanitary pad which had blood on it (expected). Note that you can't go home until you have eaten and passed urine.  Felt really tired but the nurse said I could leave in the next hour so called my friend to pick me up, it was 7pm when I left.   I counted at least 14 interactions with NHS staff and I cannot fault them.  I came home emotional, tired and with a headache.  Was sick (expected) but went to bed fine and slept ok.  This morning I woke up with a headache. I'm still bleeding but it's light spots. I managed to have a full working day from home.

My first smear took place in December 2021 so it has taken over a year to reach this point but I am glad I did it. I was incredibly nervous as have never gone under GA before but the staff were amazing and put me at ease. Happy to answer any questions about my experience.

Hello everyone I'm new to this website and so glad I found this thread on Google! I had my smear test yesterday I'm 25, sporty and live a healthy lifestyle, I have never had kids, never go to the doctor unless I'm really poorly, I have a strong immune system and never had surgery

Initially I read up and YouTubed what to expect at a smear test to prepare myself and asked my friends who are my age or older how theirs went they said it's not nice and uncomfortable more than painful bearing in mind these women have had sex- I'm still a virgin and don't plan on having intercourse until I find Mr right.. I'm a Catholic and don't see the rush to experience it before settling down I know I sound old fashioned but I like to do what I think is best and what I want to do

My appointment lasted for 20 minutes yesterday and I was in a lot of pain from having my first smear done, the nurse was brilliant and tried her best to put me at ease I explained I was nervous, she was very kind and I can't praise her enough for the support she gave me

I have no health conditions that I'm aware of but when I mentioned I don't have regular periods (the cycle occurs every 2 -3 months and lasts for 5 days maximum) she became concerned that there could be a problem even though she said it could be normal for me we are all different etc so I have to get checked out with a doctor at some point to find out

Now with the smear she started with a small speculum I'm glad they use plastic ones instead of the cold metal sharp ones used in the past, I lay back and tried to calm my breathing and even tried the trick of placing my hands into fists on my lower back to help the nurse carry out the inspection

It turns out I have a very sensitive body as I found the pain unbearable it was the worst I could've imagined I cried and sobbed the nurse was very sympathetic and stopped a few times even though I insisted on carrying on being brave to get it done

I know the risk of having HPV is low for a girl like me but I have known people in my life to die at an early age from cancer or have other conditions from not being checked out so I wanted to be brave and have this small test done I tried so hard to get it completed but unfortunately due to my cervix being hidden (I've read it could be twisted or very high inside so that could be the issue)  she used a large speculum and tried 3 attempts at the appointment to take a sample from me but couldn't

The nurse was amazing at trying to relax me and she said I could choose to have it done again when I'm sexually active in the future but I'd rather have it now just so I have had my first done it would give me peace of mind and being checked to see if my periods are regular or not

So I have to go back in 3 weeks time with her to do it again and will possibly see a doctor whilst at my GP surgery too

Without grossing anyone out I found that it was like an electric shock inside my body and that I was on fire

I'm glad I'm not alone with this, very relieved to read other people have had theirs done through other means like general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic 

I had all of my vaccinations from booster jabs to meningitis jab and each time I screamed the place down so I don't think local anaesthetic would be for me as I can't bear needles

I was brave for the HPV jab in school but had a severely achy arm for a week back then, half of my limbs felt funny and heavy but I am glad I have had some protection against it

Can I ask if you can still be referred for a smear test with the NHS under general anaesthetic? I've never been to the hospital before but I can see me being in there if the 2nd appointment doesn't go to plan like yesterday

I felt embarrassed and cursed myself for not being stronger she didn't even manage to get the swab in me as she couldn't find the cervix and I was in that much pain she didn't want to continue even though I tried to relax myself

The nurse said next time I should be ok as I had my first attempt yesterday and know what the pain can feel like so she advised taking ibuprofen or paracetamol before my next appointment

After reading this thread I resonate with so many of you and my heart goes out to you all 

I don't feel as embarrassed or upset now, feeling this way is completely normal and I'm glad there are other options women can have to make their tests simpler

I think I'd rather be referred to have it done in a hospital but worried that I'll be too nervous under GA? Is it possible to wake up during the procedure? Do referrals take long? I know the NHS is under severe pressure atm and support everyone who is on strike

I'd like to have it done with gas but I don't think my surgery has that to offer me..they arent that equipped atm 

I'd much rather a female doctor or nurse carry it out but I know I can't be fussy if I am in a hospital I just felt so much better being with a nurse who understood me yesterday she could see I was trying to cope with the pressure on me but I was struggling and I think she knew that as she scheduled more time for our next appointment

I am thinking the waiting list might be long I wouldn't want to think about it and with the beds being used and low staff

I guess I'm filled with a lot of questions more than answers after my first smear test but very glad that this question has been posted and taking comfort from reading everyone else situations too

I'm very sore today down below and bled a little when I was getting up from the bed in the GP office yesterday the nurse said it's nothing to worry about its a foreign feeling to my private parts they arent used to what I went through 

I haven't had a period for over a month (this is normal for me) so could be on one soon before my next appointment

It feels like I'm on it today though due to how painful that area is and the blood thats kept coming out of me I don't use tampons as I worry about toxic shock syndrome so have always used pads since I was a teen

I've been reading all the comments on this subject as I awaited my procedure.  It has been a big help as i was very anxious about it.

Today was the day and I just wanted to let anyone still waiting for theirs know that there is nothing to worry about.  Firstly, they reassured me that this really is a common procedure and available to anyone like me who finds the normal way is too painful, depending on any other health conditions.    From start to finish all of the hospital staff were wonderful, kind, caring, talking me through every step of the way as to what would happen; the anesthetist talked to me about what she was doing and what I would feel right up to the moment I drifted off!  It was just a 20 minute procedure and then I woke up in the recovery room.  So from going down to the theatre at 9am, I was back on the ward just after 10am.  I didn't feel at all dizzy or nauseous, just pleasantly drowsy and by 10.30am I was having tea and biscuits, following an hour later with yet another cup of tea and a sandwich.  I was allowed home after that and a wee.   The only pain I am having now is the stinging when I pass urine.  Hopefully, after a good night's sleep and some paracetamol that will be easier tomorrow. 

All the best to you when your date arrives and I hope that your experience goes as sell as mine did. 

Just waiting on my results now and then all being well, no more smears for me as I'm over 65. 

Thankyou so much for your reply I honestly get so much comfort by reading other people's stories who have been through the same situation

I was anxious and tense at my first appointment a few days ago and the nurse did her best to put me at ease, the tip about making fists on the lower back did help me but after a few attempts with 2 different speculums (plastic type small and medium sized) she stopped as my cervix was so high up and difficult to find she couldn't get the doctor in to look for it as they were busy so I'm hoping my next appointment is a bit easier and less painful

Glad you had your referral and the test was bearable for you

Can I ask if you had pain after your smear? I'm also having pain when I'm going to toilet its been 4 days now and I bled a lot during the appointment and 2 days after that the bleeding has stopped thankfully but I'm still very sore down below.. I know thats to be expected but not sure how much pain I should have to be experiencing?! I don't want to aggravate my private part any further by using creams or be back and forth to the doctors from now until my next appointment I'd rather this stinging pain clears up on its own with hot water bottle between my legs and ibuprofen if its not healed by next week I may have to go and see the nurse as I feel like my insides have been opened and widened never known anything like this

Did they give you general anaesthetic or local one? I'd rather be completely knocked out than have a needle in my arm and be half asleep as I think I would still feel something? My pain threshold is very weak even though I tried my best to be brave and toughen up it was like I had a knife inserted down there at my appointment 

I don't have any health conditions or allergies so I should be ok if I do have it done in the hospital if I can push for that I will cos I cant keep being rebooked taking time off work for another unsuccessful attempt for a smear test..not knowing why I sometimes have irregular periods is weighing heavily on my mind since I spoke to the nurse about that aswell 

I'm reading more threads on here about cervical screenings not going to plan and other tests people are having such as a full pelvic exam and colonoscopy performed to check their health and find everyone's comments extremely reassuring to know that there are other options to explore with the NHS to get answers on

It really helps when the staff are supportive and caring too I remember the nurse I had saying that times are changing from when she had her first one (I didnt want to ask how long ago hers was or ask her age as it would have been rude so going to guess that she is in her late 30s now) she said the nurse she had back then practically shoved the metal type inside of her without caring about the pain she was in how awful is that :(

Hearing her story put me on edge a bit as I don't want that to ever happen to me I know not every doctors surgery you go to has reliable kind nurses you can trust and dread to think of this being what I might have to have in gynecology or elsewhere

Hi there

I had my smear done under general anaesthetic yesterday - I wanted to record my experience publically in case others were searching for what might happen.

I had had 2 successful smears in the past (they were really traumatic and painful) and 2 really difficult failed attempts for my most recent one (the last ended up with me having a full panic attack)

I ended up speaking to a counsellor at the GP about it and then spoke to a doctor who suggested about getting anaesthetic. I had a meeting at the hospital and then a phonecall with the doctor who would be performing it. The doctor told me they'd do a normal smear test and also put a camera up and take a small section of flesh from the cervix literally just so they'd done everything in one go and wouldn't have to get me in again in case there were cell change results in my smear test.

I called the hospital the week prior as my period was due when I had my slot for the procedure- the doctor said this was fine and they'd go ahead with it even though I was on my period.

There was also a pre-consulatation via the phone the week before with someone from the anaesthetist's team (they asked lots of health based questions and also sent out a letter)

I was admitted at 11:30 and couldn't eat past 6:30am but could drink water.

The other women in the ward were getting hysterectomies so I was up last. During the day, I was spoken to by a nurse who filled out a form did a blood pressure check/ heart rate check etc and gave me long tight socks to wear to stop blood clots. A couple of hours later, a doctor came to see me with another form.

I was really anxious by the time it was my turn (shaking and crying). The anaesthetist double checked I was still wanting the general anaesthetic and then they went over the forms with me and explained how it would work. They were really patient and reassuring. 

I had brought pj's to wear during the day and a dressing gown and they'd asked me to wear a hospital gown (they taped up my wedding band)

In the room for the general anaesthetic, I had to remove my pj's and underwear and lie on the bed with the hospital gown on. I was really anxious but they talked through what they were doing (they put stickers on my chest to monitor my heart and also over my forehead to monitor my brain activity) They put a cannula in my right hand and had an oxygen mask which they held close to my face (I'd started to cough when they put it directly over my nose and mouth so they moved it to make me more comfortable). They then put the anaesthetic through the cannula and explained it would feel cold and I'd feel light headed soon. I felt heavy in the head and woozy... and then I woke up in the recovery room with a nurse sat by me. It had all taken less than an hour.

In the recovery room, the blanket had been put round my legs and a sanitary pad had been placed between my legs. I felt like they'd been really respectful of my dignity and I felt comfortable. The nurse kept chatting to me and answering the questions I had.

After the nurse had monitored my heart for some time, I was taken back into the ward. I was given more water and a biscuit (I was offered tea and toast) - they checked my blood pressure and heart rate etc for another couple of hours and then I was free to go.

Throughout the whole day, I really felt that the staff were so kind, caring and so respectful. They were incredibly understanding and patient with me. At each step, they ensured I knew what was coming up next and that eased my anxiety somewhat.

At the end of the day, my husband came to pick me up as I couldn't drive after having general anaesthetic. I was able to eat a meal in the evening too as normal. I had to have a responsible adult with me all day today following the anaesthetic and couldn't drive/ use machinary/ do cooking etc.

The only things that I could feel as a result were a slight sore throat from the air tube they put in my throat during the general anaesthetic and also a slight headache.

I've been told that I'm on a list now to get my smears done in hospital moving forwards to help me out with it.

THINGS I DID ON THE DAY:

- Ask lots of questions 

- Keep drinking water

- Trust the medical professionals have done this lots before

-Take pj's to get dressed into so you're comfy

- Bring a dressing gown 

- I brought magazines and a book but couldn't concentrate on them

- I'd downloaded films on my phone and watched those to pass the time waiting 

Hi Everyone - this is my first post! 
I am a 35 year old virgin who has never had a successful smear. I was told at 25 if i was a virgin i didnt need a smear. Unfortunalty after 7 years of marriage i still have not been able to have penetrative sex. After many years of thinking im weird, or something was wrong with me, i did my own researched and self diagnosed myself with Vaginismus when i was 33. I finally got the courage to tell the GP and that i needed help. Prior to this i had purchased my own dilators and started to use them to be proactive but it was slow progression. The GP referred me to gynaecology where they did an internal exam with fingers (i appeared to be fine with this) they said things felt healthy and referred me to female health physiotherapy at hospital which i still attend now - with the aim to have a successful smear and one day penetrative sex. The GP stated i was 'low risk' of cervical cancer and advised me to use physio for a while to see if it helps which i still dont agree with as i explained i still have skin on skin contact with my husband. 

last year for the first time in my life i randomly starting getting two periods in one month - this happened 3 times and was told it was due to stress but this paniked me even more as ive never had a smear. I had swabs done at GP and pushed for a pelvic ultra sound as sometimes i felt a heavines down there and some pelvic pain - everything came back all clear. I went to the GP to see if they could look at my cervix due to my aniexty of cervical cancer having not had a smear. I took my husband with me - i was able to use a dilators to make myself relaxed i even took a small 'bullet vibrator' with me - i know that sounds crazy but it relaxes your muscles. She used a virgin/small speculum and she was able to put it in and fully open it to my surprise although it still did hurt slightly - however she said she couldnt see my cervix - so bitter sweet. 

This week i am having a smear test at the hospital with gas and air as my gynecologist said they will be more skilled to using a small speculum. Ive done so much work on myself with my Vaginismus and ive had to fight to get to this stage. I asked so many times for GA but they said its not an option but is disheartning having read some people on here have been given that option. I suffer from aniexty and do not have any children and all i keep thinking is ive waited too long and either i wont be able to have a smear or they will find something and its too late.

Ive let next weeks smear consume my thoughts today and keep thinking i just want to me able to be checked and be safe - i also want the last 10 years of worry to be over! 

Hi LifeWithVaginismus,

There are lots of parallels with our experiences and I want to reassure you and anyone else in this situation - in fact, I'm inspired by your honesty and want to open up a bit more here about my experiences. I strongly feel that normalising this kind of open conversation is so empowering and supportive of each other and will help people to know that they're not weird or that something is wrong with them for finding smear tests hard; in fact, the process is incredibly invasive and I feel we have the right to be clear with medical professionals about what is right for ourselves and our bodies. There are lots of reasons why people find smear tests hard. The reasons are all real, are all important and are all valid. 

I was in a relationship with my husband (we weren't married yet) when I had my first smear test (in 2015) and I was a "penetrative" virgin. I had absolutely no idea what a smear test was and had actually thought that they might "smear" a petri dish across my vulva or something. I definitely didn't have a leaflet or anything with my letter so I'd not been prepared and I hadn't thought to ask anyone I know/ no one had thought to pre -prepare me. Despite the nurse using the small speculum, the plastic was so hard and uncomfortable that it was incredibly painful; I clearly remember my hymen tearing and I bled so much that I had to wear a sanitary pad for the rest of the day. During both of my 'successful' - completed- smear tests, I was sweating, arching my body back on the bed, holding back tears and in lots of pain because of me tensing my body resulting in a tense vagina. At the end of my second test in 2018, the nurse brought me a glass of water because she was worried I was going to faint, I'd also not slept at all the night before knowing what was coming. I am absolutely convinced that these first experiences with the smear test is the reason why my husband and I have only been able to have penetrative sex in the last couple of years (and even then very occasionally because I end up clenching/ stopping just before penetration) I had also self diagnosed vaginismus following lots of internet research too and had looked and the JO'S Cervical Cancer website and blog posts.

When I spoke to the counsellor at the GP (after having 2 failed attempts at seperate appointments for one that was due in 2021, where I had a full panic attack at the end of the last one- the Diazapan the doctor had prescribed hadn't taken the "edge off" as I'd been promised), she'd printed out one of the posts I'd actually already read and I explained in the session that I already know mindfulness etc because of my line of work.

At this point, I had another phone conversation with a GP at my practice who referred me to the hospital under the explanation that I could have it done under general anaesthetic.

When I  went to the hospital for the initial appointment to discuss having my smear there under GA, the doctor told me that he had nurses waiting outside with gas and air to try it there and then and explained that he felt that the GP at my normal doctor's practice wouldn't have known "the different things we can do here". I panicked again (hot, sweaty, couldn't think straight, felt like I was going to be sick) and refused it after a considerable amount of time because I needed to calm down. He told me I'd be put on a waiting list for a GA smear. When I left the room, there were about 3 nurses outside the door holding some equipment. I actually couldn't drive home straight away because I needed to calm down.

At this point there was an administrative error because he had said I'd get a call to discuss other options further. That was about May time last year and I called the number at the top of the letter this January (I'd been putting off chasing it up as well due to anxiety) I got a call back that day from the lead gynaecologist apologising - he said there's not a waiting list for GA smears and that they prioritise women who need one and he said I could have it under general anaesthetic and he booked me in for Feb this year. He did give another option (where I'd have been awake but not "aware" of what was happening- I refused this one because I didn't want any chance of being conscious of what was happening because of the huge distress it causes me)

Just before I had mine under general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist said that it would be a lot of stress for my body to go through it every 3 years (this heightened my anxiety in the moment) and another member of his team explained that he had to highlight that and double check it was the way I wanted to do it (reassuring me that - even though it was unusual, I had autonomy over my body and the choice I was making) I was incredibly shaky, sweaty, mind racing, crying etc in the room I was given the GA in (the team noticed this quickly and one of them held my hand and the rest used soothing voices etc to try and calm me down, the anaesthetist was really "gentle" with me in the way he was speaking to me and being really open about what was happening. Seriously, I can't speak highly enough of them) 

LifeWithVaginismus, thank you for sharing your story; it has given me the confidence to explain the events leading up to my GA experience even more openly. My aim is that my detail here gives you further hope- please do speak with your medical team again as I was able to have it done under GA; my full experience for this was about 2 years (I was supposed to have my smear in 2021, when I had the 2 failed smears and then had the GA smear in Feb 2023)

I wish you so much luck, LifeWithVaginismus and hope that you are able to have a GA smear in the future.

Hi Smeartestexperience and everyone reading 

Thank you so much for your response! It made me emotional, but happy that you felt comfortable to tell everyone your story - you have done amazing and come so far! 
 

so i had my appointment today at the hospital..and guess what.. i did it! I had a smear. After 10 years of stress and aniexty it happend. I couldnt hold my emotions and just cried in disbelief that i did it. 
 

so since my last post i had been constantly worried and stressed for my appointment - to the point that i even ordered a small speculum offline to try to get used to it. I tried it in the morning before my appointment and it still hurt opening it - but i knew if thr doctor managed to do it before so the gyno could do to. when i went to the hospital the gyno had read my notes and her and the nurse were so nice and understanding. My husband also was with me too which put me at ease. They explained they wouldnt do anything i didnt want to do and said they will try a numbing cream (which also has never been suggested to me before) she used the smallest speculum (finger size) it went in fine and when she opened it - it was only the last part where they was a slight pain - so i made sure i did my breathing. When the gyno said she could see my cervix i was so happy that i just kept breathing and then it was done. I didnt even get to use the gas and air! Im still in shock tbh i went over to my physio and gave her chocolates to thank her for all the help. 

This has been a long and hard journey for the last 10 years and want people to know that things will get better and that it can happen - i have a faith.I can not explain to everyone the benefits of researching and using dilators and also speaking to your GP about womens health pyhsio because they work with so many patients with the same issues we all have and are so calm and understanding. 
 

I am still on this journey as my next focus is penetrative sex which i still believe will take me a long while but all i can do it try. Also want to make sure my smear tests come back clear. Thank you to everyone to have read my posts and is on this journey with me! 

Hi, I am a practice nurse that does smears. I always say to women "if it's too painful just say and we can stop and try again with any of the following options". If there is pain due to the peri-menopause or menopause I suggest trying oestrogen cream vaginally for 1 month prior to the test. That can be used for any age girl or woman, as it's only for a month, We can use that and some diazepam (valium) if needed. Also numbing gel is an option for anyone. Thanks.