This post is a little different to what I usually post, it's a bit personal and you're probably wondering why on earth I want to share it! But I really wanted to share my experience and to hopefully urge you other ladies to go and get yourselves checked! It's a bit of a taboo subject talking about your lower region, but when it comes to Smear Tests, it's really really REALLY important that we do! When I researched mine online, I struggled to find any positive stories with the same result as me, the internet is full of the negatives and people trying to convince you you're dying from something as small as a headache! So I'm hoping my point of view and experience will help to reassure you! And no, it's not a sponsored post either! :)
In the UK, once we near our 25th birthday, us women are entitled to a free smear test on the NHS. I received my letter and instantly panicked and worried about what it might be like, and more so what the results would show. I decided to bite the bullet and book, I wanted to hide the letter and just not think about, to avoid another few weeks of anxiety! But I booked it, and it was two days later. The sooner the better really, less time to think about it.
I'm a very anxious person, especially the last few months with blood tests and Abbie's vaccinations. It would've been easier just to do nothing.
I panicked A LOT. I panicked about if the test would hurt, if I would bleed. Then I googled it...the worst thing I could've done. I then panicked about the results, what if they found something abnormal, what if I needed more tests, had to go to hospital, had to stay overnight, I've never left Abbie so how would it work, what if it was cancer, what if I was dying.
The test itself was waaaaay better than I thought it would be, after having one at 19/20 I kinda knew what to expect, but that time it really really hurt and I cried.
I walked into the nurses room and she asked how I was, all my anxiety came out and I cried. Nothing had even happened yet, she was so lovely though, reassuring and made me feel at ease. Don't worry about looking like an idiot if you cry, chances are if you show you're stressed, it'll make the whole process a lot easier!
Before you start, don't be shy in asking for the smallest speculum, there are actually 3 sizes so don't be shy in asking for the smallest one (especially since they cannot use any kind of lubrication now!), your nurse should be more than happy to oblige so if you're worried about that part, definitely ask!
So I was asked to undress from the waist down and lay down...yes it's a little embarrassing, your legs are now wide open with a bright light shining up there, but I promise you, and this coming from a seriously anxious person (and a prude), it was absolutely fine! The nurse made a joke, and I made one back, it was relaxed and it was no where near as scary as I thought it would be.
The only slightly uncomfortable part was when the speculum was opened, but again for me, it was just a bit weird, not painful, kinda made me say ughhh rather than ouch! She then pops in a brush and brushes it gently across your cervix to gather some cells, again a little uncomfortable but not anything awful, after about 15 seconds, its all done and you can go home! Yay!
Waiting for the results was the hardest part, 2 weeks of anxiety hoping to God I was ok!
I spotted the postman doing his rounds and knew that day COULD be the day I got my letter, its been 12 days since the test and was told it can take 10-14 days for the results...and sure enough, there on the top of the pile of crap put through our door, was my letter. I don't think i've opened a letter so quickly in my life, and there it was, first line..
"The result from your screening test are normal" HOORAY!
Now I can relax, 30 seconds of being slightly uncomfortable could save your life, it really is worth it ladies, don't hesitate in getting yours done, make time, book yours today by phoning your GP!
x
