I am 30, never had a smear and havent been sexually active since I was 19. I tried to have a smear two years ago, but it was so painful I ended up walking out. I am plucking up the courage to try again. I have just brought a speculum and some jelly, so hopefully I can "practise" as someone else on here mentioned.

Hi everyone,

I think this forum is great as you all share my feelings on this matter. I tried having a smear when I was 26 and it was horrific! I was extremely nervous and the practice nurse was very matter of fact about it. The pain was excruciating and I had to stop the procedure. I was in floods of tears and luckily had an appointment with my female GP that day. I do have problems having intercourse but this is getting better. I am now 30 and finally thought, I am not going to let this get to me. I went for my smear today but my GP offered to do it for me and prescribed me with 10mg of lorazepam as it helps you relax. She used plenty of lubrication and was extremely soothing and understanding. She also asked me to make sure that I came mid cycle as that is the optimum time to do the test. It was still uncomfortable but not enough to make me jump off the bed. I think you really need to raise your legs to accomodate the speculum. I think this is really promising as I was so ashamed that I could not go through with the procedure. I am bleeding slightly but I was told that this is possible and to just take it easy for a few days. I wonder if you could try asking for a muscle relaxant next time. A freind of mine uses Naturacalm as she doesn't like taking medication.

I still hated it though but am really pleased that I did it.

i first got asked to go for a smear when i was 19 i was not nervous in any way as i thought it would be a quick swab. i attended and when the nurse went to put the spectrum inside me i jumped back she only got it half way i could not take the pain. i am now 26 and have been for smear appointment at least 4 times and never have been able to go through with it. i last went last week and i sat in front of the doctor and cried and cried she went to take my test and i told her the i just could not have it done. i am going to see my doctor at the end of july to try and sort this problem out.
i am thinking of having a smear done under saidation only a private clinic will do that costing about £200.
i don't know anyone who is as scared of smears like me.
i really need help as i really want the test done as i know it's important.
if anyone out there can help please let me know

cherry!!!!!!!!

In the past I had a similarly agonsing experience. In part, it was due to tension - but also because the nurse had to 'fish' for my cervix which is slightly 'tipped' down [I gather this is not that unusual. The nurse had a 'let's just get on with it' attitude - and 'did!

The solution was not pleasant - but worked. I bought a speculum [available on line]. It lay in a drawer for weeks ... but finally I plucked up courage to use it. I found a quiet time, suitable lubricant - and began introducing it [very closed]. At first it was difficult but breathing deeply I learnt how to relax the muscles - in fact 'locate' the damn muscles that nurses always tell you to relax!

I did this about 3 times per week [very unpleasant and somewhat painful at first] until, after a couple of weeks, I could open the blades of the speculum wide, and keep it in for a number minutes in that state with no real pain.

I have just returned from the pap smear. My own 'practice' was rather like the proceedure. At the test however, there was a glitch: the speculum had to be re-introduced. After this there was some minor pain [nothing more than I had experienced at home] and a 'nipping' sensation when the smear was taken. The nurse commented on how calmly I dealt with the problems & the need to repeat the test.

Difficulties with the smear don't always 'point up' a sexual problem -just that a large, stainless steel, speculum does not turn you on!! Don't let a past painful experience colour the need for this test. Prepare yourself properly, exert a little courage and self-discipline, take time to do it - AND GO!

i hate smear tests, i have had 3 so far and only one was ok,the others i found very painful indeed, apparently a lot of it is you tense up (which i do as i get nervous) some of my friends dont have a problem, i think mainly if you can try and relax and also explain to the person doing the test your worried it should help..

I had a very painful smear test last week with considerable bleeding afterwards. Returning to the doctor I was told I that I was too tense/nobody likes it/the nurse is very professional/you need to move on from this. Talk about adding insult to injury! I was belittled and more than that one doctor seemed almost to question my account of the experience.

This is not normal, and a smear should not cause pain or bleeding at all, and it is no wonder you are now feeling uptight. A smear is a routine check up, and if it caused this much pain and trouble nobody would ever have it done!
You and your husband need to take things very carefully and gently until you have got over this. There will be nothing actually damaged except your confidence, so go easy and you will be fine.