Is it going to hurt?
Cervical screening should not hurt. It may be a little uncomfortable and you may feel a small pinch, but it should not be painful.
Things you can try that might make the test better for you include:
- bringing someone with you for support – check when booking that it’s ok to bring someone
- wearing something you can leave on during the test, like a skirt or long jumper
- asking the GP or nurse to use a smaller speculum
- asking the GP or nurse to use a lot of lubricant if you have vaginal dryness (this link will take you to an external website).
- telling the GP or nurse that you want to lie in a more comfortable position to have the test
- taking slow, deep breaths to help you relax
- letting the GP or nurse know during the test if it is painful
I’m scared
You are not alone! Lots of people worry about their test. You can always take a friend or relative for a bit of moral support. If you have to go alone, know that the test takes only a few short minutes. When you lie on the bed, try to close your eyes, picture something calming and practice deep breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth until the nurse or GP is finished.
I’m scared of finding something
The test saves thousands of lives every year! About 1 in 20 screening tests find abnormal cells. Most of these won’t lead to cervical cancer. But in some cases the abnormal cells will need to be removed so they cannot become cancerous. The fear is always worse than knowing! And like most women, you will not need another one for three years.
I am too embarrassed
It’s easy to say do not be embarrassed but it is much harder to stop feeling it. You are not alone in that feeling. Lots of people feel nervous, embarrassed and uncomfortable. It is natural! Try not to let your embarrassment take over. Millions of women have a cervical screening test every year. Nurses and GPs do this every single day. Your cervical screening test could save your life – definitely worth a bit of embarrassment.
I would not want a man to carry out the screening
That is understandable. In many clinics, you can request to have a female practitioner before your screening.
Preparing for your cervical screening appointment
Sources:
https://cervicalscreeningaware.co.uk/
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cervical-screening/getting-a-test/what-happens/