How painful is a smear test?
For most people, a smear test shouldn’t be painful, but it’s normal to find it a bit uncomfortable. Usually the most uncomfortable bit is when the speculum is opened. Having your cervix brushed to remove cells can feel a bit strange, but shouldn’t hurt. However, some people will find a smear test painful.
How can I make a smear test less painful?
8 Tips For Making Your Smear Test More Comfortable
- Remember that your GP or gynaecologist has seen many vaginas before.
- Wear warm clothing.
- Think of something to distract you during the test.
- Focus on your breathing.
- Ask for a smaller speculum.
- Relieve yourself before the test.
- Communicate with your doctor.
What does a speculum feel like?
The speculum opens a little bit to separate the walls of your vagina. Speculum exams may feel weird or a little uncomfortable, but it doesn’t hurt at all for most people. If you have any questions or concerns about pelvic exams or speculums, talk with your nurse or doctor.
Do smear tests get more painful as you get older?
One particular issue for older women can be that screening becomes more painful following the menopause. Lower oestrogen levels can cause thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls and it’s estimated that half of all post-menopausal women have these symptoms.
Should I shower before a smear test?
Should I have a shower before I get a smear test? Up to you! You don’t have to, there is no medical reason that you should. Showering or not showering will not affect the test in any way.
Why does smear test hurt so much?
When Pap smears are uncomfortable, it’s often because there’s a sensation of pressure in the pelvic region. Urinating beforehand can relieve some of this pressure. In some cases, your doctor might request a urine sample, so be sure to ask if it’s OK to use the restroom beforehand.
How far does speculum go in?
Speculae up to 4 cm wide and 12–16 cm long are appropriate when redundant vaginal walls prolapse between the bills and obscure the view of the cervix; this occurs most commonly in obese and multiparous women.
Why does Pap smear hurt so much?
Why do Pap smears hurt?
Can you have a smear test without a speculum?
It is now possible to do cervical screening by testing for the virus that causes cervical cancer; human papillomavirus (HPV). An advantage of HPV testing is that samples can be taken without a speculum. Women can even collect a sample themselves (self-testing).