Ladies, you should have noticed a lot of coverage recently highlighting the need to book in for a cervical screening test (in old school money this was referred to as a smear test). This is because in January is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. As it would happen, my appointment was this week. So I thought I would share my own experience to re-assure you just how simple, quick and pain-free it is.
It is the first one I have had in 3 years and due to the time lapse it is easy to make it in to something worse than it is. Let’s face it, no one particularly likes being prodded in that area, even those of us that have given birth (which is far more intrusive and painful but we still put ourselves through it).
My Experience
My appointment was at 3.10pm. I arrived promptly and was seen on time. Before the screening procedure took place I was asked the following routine questions:
- Was I sexually active?
- Did I have any bleeding after sex?
- Did I have any spotting?
- Were my periods regular?
- Was there anything unusual about them?
- Had I had any abnormal smears previously?
- Was I on any hormone treatment?
- Did I have an implant or was I on any other contraception?
- Could I be pregnant?
After answering the questions I was then asked to step behind the curtain and remove my clothing from the waist down.
Once ready, the nurse rubbed lubricant on to a speculum – which is shaped like a test tube – and inserted it up as far as my cervix. She then collected some cells by inserting a small brush up through the speculum. The only sensation I had at this point was the coldness from the lubricant and some slight discomfort from the speculum. The discomfort is due to a small amount of pressure on the cervix but it only lasts for as long as the test takes place. For me this was less than a minute. To be honest even using the word “discomfort” is over-playing it. The nurse removed the speculum and I got dressed again.
And that was it, all done. I was back in the car by 3:20pm. Ready to crack on with the rest of the day.
Trust me there is nothing to fear and it is so important to have check-ups. If this helps prevent the spread of cancer then I’m all for having a cervical screening test on a regular basis.
[bctt tweet=”Helping to raise awareness of cervical cancer. Screening is quick and painless. Book in today for yours.” username=”harryshonestmum”]
For more information on cervical screening please visit: www.jostrust.org.uk or search on social media using the hashtag #SmearForSmear
FAQ’s:
How frequently should you have one?
You should receive a reminder from your GP/Health Authority every 3 years. If you are over 50 then it is usually a reminder every 5 years. Being screened regularly means that changes to the cervical cells can be detected and acted upon.
What is it checking for?
It is test to check the health of the cervical cells. Early detection of any abnormalities in the cell structure could prevent cancer.
What is HPV?
HPV is short for Human Papilloma Virus. Changes in the cervical cells are caused by the presence of this virus.
How long does it take?
As my post above says, I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. The procedure itself took all of 2 minutes from start to finish.
When do I get my results?
My surgery has advised that it will take 2 weeks to get my results.
It really is that quick, thanks for helping us as Nurse’s reassure ladies that it isn’t that bad! Thanks for linking up #BloggersBests
Author
It’s my pleasure to help raise awareness.
Thank you for openly talking about cervical screening ie the dreaded smear. As bloggers it’s one of the best things we can do – to influence others to look after their health, who knows, it might just save a life.
Thanks so much for linking to #coolmumclub
They are super easy. I had mine at the same time I had my implant replaced last time. The implant change over was certainly more uncomfortable but frankly the worst but was having my son referring to me as mummy pig from outside the curtain the whole way through!!! #Coolmumclub
Author
Oh no – kids hey, the gift that keep on giving!
Thank you for sharing this incredibly important post with us on #ablogginggoodtime 🎉 I am someone who has benefitted from cervical screening, I dread to think what may have happened if I hadn’t attended that day!
Author
If you write a post about it then let me know as I would love to read it and help share it to raise awareness. As I’ve said earlier in one of my replies it amazes me that the numbers of women having a test is falling. If it is handed out by the NHS and monitored closely then there is a perfectly valid reason why they do it and all women need to take advantage of it.
It is so important to have regular smear tests…I get one each time I get my contraceptive implant changed. After getting my arm numbed and sliced a smear test seems like a walk in the park. lol x
Author
Too true! x
Great advice and very informative. #FabFridayPost
Author
Thank you for reading x
Posts like these are so very important and have the potential to save lives. Well done you! #ThatFridayLinky
Author
Thank you. I’d be more than happy if my piece just makes one more person go for one.
I think it’s wonderful that so many women are raising awareness of the cervical screening. Last year I went for my routine smear test which resulted in me being diagnosed with cervical cancer. Thanks to the early detection I was able to have surgery to have it removed and have just this week been for my 6 month screening to check that everything is still okay. I’m awaiting results as I write this. As part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week I’m sharing my story over on the blog next week. I think it’s great that you have written about the test itself, because really it’s so easy to build it up in your head.
Thanks so much for sharing with #pocolo
Author
Wishing you the very best of news back from those results. It astounds me that the number of women having a test has fallen. I look forward to reading your post next week.
What a really informative post and reassuring for the women of the world well done for writing Thank you for linking to #Thatfridaylinky please come back next week
I’ve had at least a couple now, they’re so important and take such a little amount of time. Thanks for linking up to #fortheloveofBLOG
Thank you for sharing this – I know a lot of people put off these tests and it really makes me sad that the numbers of people being tested have fallen, but they’re really no big deal, and they are so important. I had an abnormal smear a few years back which may have saved my life, who knows? But I’m so glad I went and they picked up the problem. It’s one of the very few cancers which can be detected before it develops, so why would you not take up the opportunity to protect yourself? Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
Author
Couldn’t agree more. Glad you were OK x
This is such an important campaign. My friend got diagnosed with cervical cancer when her 2nd baby was 4 months old. It was a terrible, she battled it and won thankfully. Everyone needs to make sure they keep up with their tests! Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
Author
Your friend must have been devastated. My heart sank just reading that sentence. I am glad she got the all clear.
Thanks for sharing this – they are a quick procedure and not uncomfortable I wish more women would go for them. #FabFridayPost
So important! Great post and thanks for linking up with #FabFridayPost
I am so glad you are sharing this and raising awareness! It is a great post to that explains what we have to go through and will help many women feel more comfortable knowing what to expect. Thank you so much for sharing this with us for #ablogginggoodtime Just to let you know that sadly Catie (Spectrum Mum) will no longer be a co-host for #ablooginggoodtime, we will have a new co-host this Thursday and you can still link up through Katie or myself reflectionsfromme.com Thanks, love Mackenzie
Author
Thanks for letting me know. See you soon x
I love that bloggers are in a position to be able to raise awareness about things like this. I’ve read quite a few posts on it this month and it’s fab! Thank you for normalizing it and reassuring women about this (slightly embarrassing) procedure #sharingthebloglove
SUCH an important post! so many people can fear having a smear done – i remember being so terrified of cervical cancer when i was about 20 years of age i went to my doctors to ask for one…and they turned me away!!! yes i was technically too young but i was so anxious as often their can be no symptoms.
How on earth has this fallen out of health-style! Good on you, for spreading the word. I have been going since 18 — still hate it, but gotta do it! <3 #thatfridaylinky xoxo