Smear tests....

The problem has been that I actually work at the health centre, and I've been putting it off due to feeling awkward; didn't realise I could go to a womens health centre to have it done. That's why I'm a bit annoyed with myself, even though I've only been putting it off for a couple of months. More to do with having it done in the actual building where I work than having someone I know doing it, although I was also worried that they might call someone else in to consult that I work with. There's something I'm a little bit worried about, you see; a case of too much information from the internet! Funny how I can give advise to other people about such things but don't take it myself! Now I know I can go elsewhere I'd happily jump in the car and go now if I could.

If you've been given the opportunity, do take it! Yes, it's not the pleasantest thing to have done to you in the world but it could save your life and it's FREE. My mother used to say there are only two types of people in the world - male and female, and the doctor / nurse has seen it all before, so take a deep breath and go for it.

We should consider ourselves fortunate indeed to have this sort of health check free of charge, and anyone that doesn't take advantage of it is mad. (I nag the younger girls at work when they moan about theirs)

A minute of "ankles together, knees apart", especially now that they use that brush thing, is nothing!

PS Perhaps I am very lucky, our practice nurse, Lyn, is brilliant, and we always have a laugh during the procedure!

Nice tip shysal
I did my MPhil on women's attiudes to vaginal exams. Several older women told me they felt more embarrassed the older they got - because they felt their bodies were less attractive. So they feel a kind of shame.
Embarrassment can also occur, because it is a tricky social situation which requires both parties to steer their way carefully, and one mistake (e.g. the tampax) causes an embarrassing breakdown. So we feel anxious that this might happen.
Other funny/embarrassing stories: the woman who had been having outdoor sex the previous day. Doctor extracted long blade of grass...
Another one who, on her way to doctors after work, thought she would nip into the ladies and give herself freshen up with a tissue. Legs in stirrups, doctor suddenly says "That's an interesting place to keep your Green Shield stamps!"

chocolatepudding Part of my career as a biomedical scientist included cervical smear screening. How I used to hate the term 'borderline changes'! They were mostly due to inflammation, but for safety an early repeat was always sought. The changes are bordering on the mildest form of precancer, which usually regresses, whereas the term implies bordering on cancer, which is definitely not the case!
I would definitely encourage all women to attend for their smear tests, it is a minor procedure well worth it for peace of mind. As regards the dryness in older women, some GPs will prescribe a course of oestrogen cream for 2 weeks before, which will make the mechanics and interpretation easier.
Grin and bear it ladies!

Yes, it is vital to have smear tests as long as you can. My daughter had cervical cancer, discovered by a routine test and cured by laser treatment. Jade Goody did not have a test and when hers was discovered it was too late.
I haven't needed them since I had a total hysterectomy at 49. It was just for fibroids, but my Belgian GP said I might as well have the ovaries and fallopian tubes removed at the same time as the uterus as I would then never need to worry about ovarian cancer. I did have quite an uncomfortable menopause but with the help of HRT I got through it - though I still have the occasional hot flush 22 years later!

My ex SIL said she would never go to her doctor if she discovered a lump in her breast, because she would rather not know if she had cancer. This is so stupid it is hard to believe, as the huge proportion of breast cancers are treatable. We tend to hear more about the very sad cases - I wish more people in the public eye would say 'I had cancer, and I am O.K.', like Lynn Faulds Wood. She has done great work publicising the symptoms of bowel cancer.

crimson would it helped if we all came with you ! virtualy of course!in your mind, if you tell us what time then I'm sure as many of us as possible will be there with you, and it will only be for a few seconds, by the time you have rhymed off all our names it will all be done with. just imagine all!! of the gransnetters..!!! (sorry just trying to make it a bit easier for you)

crimson I know what you mean it seems that it takes a lot of `rummaging around` to find it ( wasn't like that it my younger days)

What I don't understand is that, when I was of 'childbearing age' such things didn't bother me in the slightest. The sight of a man in a white coat had me throwing my clothes off quite happily. Then, as the years passed it all changed. Made even worse by the time I was so withered the nurse couldn't find it.....and that was years ago. Could be anywhere by now.

crimson you must go and have the smear test, it won't take long and after why don't you treat yourself to something nice as a reward

Please, please crimson do go for your smear test. Twelve years ago my smear test result was pronounced abnormal - fortunately we had private health cover so I was seen very quickly. The first thing the consultant said was" This is not cancer, it is a borderline result you have nothing to worry about." For the peace of mind it brings please go.

..I am considering getting a lift there [of the four wheeled kind] so's I can have a swig of something strong before I go in.

My sister-in-law went for a smear a few years ago only to be told that she still had a tampax in !!!!!!!!! blushes all around

A good thing that a generation is growing up with the advantage of the HPV immunisation. However, surely boys as well as girls ought to be encouraged to have it as an extra safeguard against its being transmitted.

crimson Inflatable is filled with Helium he will float up to the ceiling that way you will be able to gaze at him above you! he has a peice of string attached to him just give him a tug when you are done and he will follow you back outside but!! don't let go of him until he is firmly tied to the luggage rack!

glassortwo I don't know what you mean!! lol

My niece is 34 and will not have a smear no matter what my SIL and the family say on the matter.

One of my friends was so nervous when she went for her smear, that she forgot to take her knickers off.

Biker I think thats a great idea, maybe I could book you to take my daughter for a spin , she refuses to have one no matter how I plead with her. I got over my nerves many years ago and always get mine done but I think they stop now I'm over 60 I must remember to ask the nurse when I go for a blood test in a couple of weeks...

crimson I think bikers idea is just perfect, but dont giggle , biker dont you forget to pick crimson up mind I know what you are like when you are with those inflatables.

crimson I could come on my bike take you for a spin by the time you reach the docs.you wll be in shock and not even notice what your having done..then I will take you back home and you will be none the wiser...you can squeeze behind my inflatable friend... now then that is what I want you to picture in your mind!! when your appoinment is due...you lie there and just think of my inflatable friend stood at the end of the couch smiling at you (don't forget now)!!

It's horrible, I agree. My last 2 smears have been difficult due to dryness. I always go though.