I’m a gynaecologist and here’s 10 ways you can make your smear test bearable
YOU’D be pushed to find someone who looks forward to their smear test.
For some people, the test can be uncomfortable or hurt a little - but it takes a mere couple of minutes.
For others, they barely notice the procedure has happened before it's over.
The most important thing is that if you have a cervix, you go for your smear test when invited.
January marks the month for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (17th - 23rd), which aims to raise awareness of the importance of regular smear tests.
Smears help prevent cervical cancer, which per year is diagnosed 3,000 times and tragically takes the lives of 850.
The test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
By detecting any abnormalities, doctors can prevent cancer from developing.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter to get their smear, and should try to not delay booking their appointment.
There are many reasons people may put off their smear, including being busy, not seeing it as important or fear of pain.
And if you have any symptoms of cervical cancer, such as abnormal bleeding, blood in urine, pain during sex, lower back pain or weight loss, see your GP.
1. Time your appointment around your period
Try and fit your smear test in around your cycle, so that you are not bleeding when it’s time.
Dr Shree said: “If you have painful or heavy periods, having a smear test during your period may be more uncomfortable, so it’s worth considering booking a test when you’re not scheduled to be on your period.
“Additionally, heavy bleeding can affect your smear test results and we may not be able to see your cervix clearly, so you may have to have the smear repeated.”
There may be a little blood after your smear which is normal.
But Dr Shree said “if you experience bleeding after sex or in between periods, do tell your doctor” - as this need investigating.
2. Make sure you’re comfortable with your doctor
If you’re feeling nervous about your smear test, tell the doctor beforehand.
“Remember, your doctor has taken many smears before so there is no need to feel embarrassed, or worry about the type of underwear you are wearing,” Dr Shree said.
“As a gynaecologist, I don’t notice whether you have shaved your legs, I’m simply glad you have attended your smear test given it’s an important health check.”
3. Don’t rush
Dr Shree said make sure you leave enough time for your appointment.
“Make sure you’re not in a hurry, as this can make you feel more tense,” she said.
4. Wear a skirt
For your smear, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist down behind a curtain before lying on the examination table.
Dr Shree said: “It’s more convenient to have a smear taken when wearing a skirt or a dress, as you only need to take off your underwear and you may feel less self conscious.”
5. Ask for a small speculum
The speculum is the clear plastic instrument which is inserted into the vagina to hold it open.
Dr Shree said you can ask for a small speculum (and lubrication) to reduce “the uncomfortable sensation of stretching”.
“However, be aware that we may need to change the speculum size if we cannot get a clear view of your cervix using a small speculum because this may otherwise impact on the quality of the smear obtained and you may need to get it repeated,” Dr Shree said.
“Getting a clear view of your cervix at the time of the smear taking enables us to inspect the cervix as well as taking a full smear so we can visualise any abnormalities.”
6. Change your position
When you get a smear, usually you lie on an examination table. Your legs are bent, with the feet together and knees apart.
Dr Shree said: “Some people find lying flat on their back for smear-taking very uncomfortable and we may not always get good views.
“An alternative position may be sitting on a gynaecologist couch or popping your fists under your bottom to tilt your cervix forward.
“If your doctor has had problems visualising or obtaining a smear previously let the person taking your smear know this, so we can prepare accordingly.”
7. Focus on your breathing
“Use deep breathing techniques during your smear test to relax your pelvic muscles so that we can obtain a full smear,” Dr Shree said.
Breathing during your smear will help to distract your focus somewhere else, as well as relaxing your muscles for the test.
If you are relaxed, it will be easier for the doctor to take the swab.
8. Empty your bladder
The last thing you want while lying in a compromising position is to have a sudden urge to use the toilet.
Dr Shree said: “Going to the toilet to empty your bladder before your appointment may also be helpful to help you feel more relaxed.”
9. Consider painkillers
If you’re really concerned about the pain, there’s nothing wrong with taking some painkillers beforehand.
Dr Shree said: “Consider taking some pain relief half an hour to an hour before your smear test if you find it uncomfortable.”
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10. Bring someone along
Some people find it easier to go through a smear test if they have someone there to distract or comfort them.
Dr Shree said: “Previously you may have been able to bring a friend to your appointment to talk to you whilst you have a smear taken, check if you are able to do so but please note that this option may not be available due to Covid-19 currently.”
Cervical cancer myths busted
There's a lot of misinformation about the disease out there and that's putting loads of us at risk.Here, Imogen Pinnell, health information manager at Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, busts open a few of the most common myths.
1. HPV is rare: False
HPV is actually really common! In fact, 4 out of 5 people (80 per cent) will have the virus at some point in their lives.
In many cases, our immune systems will get rid of HPV without us ever knowing we had it.
That’s why removing stigma around the virus is so important.
2. Only promiscuous people get HPV: False
You can get HPV the first time you have sexual contact, so it doesn’t matter how many people you’ve had sex with.
The virus can also lie dormant in your body for years – even decades – so you could still have the virus if you’ve been with the same person for a long time.
3. Smear tests are a test for cervical cancer: False
A smear test aims to find changes (abnormalities) to cells in the cervix at an early stage, before they develop into cervical cancer.
So it actually prevents 75 per cent of cervical cancers from ever developing.
4. Smear tests should hurt: False
A smear test should not hurt. For most people, smear tests may be slightly uncomfortable but are not painful.
But we know it’s not always an easy test, so if you do find it painful or have worries, there are things that can help.
Speak to your nurse about ways to make the smear test better for you.
5. Only young people get cervical cancer: False
Cervical cancer affects women of all ages, which is why it’s important to attend smear tests when you are invited – attending helps reduce your risk of developing it.
6. If you’ve had the HPV vaccine, you don’t need to attend a smear test: False
If you have had the HPV vaccine, you are protected against at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
However, you are not fully protected against all cervical cancers, so going for smear tests when invited is still important.
So, if you're over 25 then make sure that you're up to do with your smear tests.
If you're under 25, try to ensure that you're totally aware of what's going on with your body and seek urgent medical attention if anything from the list above starts to happen.
Remember, doctors have seen and heard it all before - there's absolutely no need to be embarrassed when talking about your gynaecological health.
In fact, doing so might well save your life