Smear Tests

Forgive me for my ignorance, but like I said in my other post I have only just been diagnosed and feel that there is so much I don't know. I have read through a lot of posts on here and have noticed that in a lot of cases people's symptoms have been triggered by something such as an infection or bad experience. I don't think this is true in my case as I can never remember a time when it wasn't painful to touch or be touched down there.

I also noticed that lots of you mentioned having Smear Tests/Pap Tests to see what the cause of pain was. Does this mean you do not also suffer from vaginismus/clamping up? I attempted a smear but it was so painful I was in tears and it was completely impossible because I was involuntarily clamping up. Has anyone else experienced this? My doctor has told me a smear test will have to be done and is recommending a general anaesthetic which I am incredibly thankful for, though I understand it's pretty unusual.

I think I am still coming to terms with how unusual my condition is, as even here I haven't read anyone elses' story and thought "That sounds exactly like me" which is a bit disappointing. Still, I guess I'm very lucky I have a doctor who diagnosed me immediately as I can only imagine the distress that not knowing would cause.

Hey there and welcome!

A smear test is just that and I don't think they are used for any other purpose. Most of the women on here are unable to have them without extreme pain, if at all. I have generalised unprovoked V. which is pain all day every day without provocation so smear tests aren't an issue. I'm fairly much in the minority. Are you maybe referring to the the cotton tip test? This a mapping of painful areas using a cue tip/cotton bud.

It's would also be unusual to find someone with exactly the same condition. Or at least that's what we've found on here. There are some similarities. We share information to find out what works and I guess because we are all so different it's a bit trial and error.

Good luck with your journey. I know we are a looking for answers.

Hi! Thank you so much for your reply. Because of my age I had never attempted a Smear until last week, I didn't know what it entailed aside from the basis details. They tried a small speculum (sp?) but that didn't work at all because of the pain, they then tried a much smaller one but not no avail. The gel itself was very painful too.

A cotton swab didn't work either, I think because I just don't trust anyone to touch me there and a cotton swab would probably be one of the worst things anyone could use quite honestly!

I'm glad that my doctor is recommending a smear under general anaesthetic - I do think it's the only way it'll get done. I am so lucky to be an NHS patient. The reason I was having a smear in the first place was to establish why I was bleeding at strange times of the month and why my periods were so irregular; I still need to know why that is. It's a bit scary not knowing what's wrong with you and not being able to talk to anyone about it. I'm so glad I found this site.

Hi there and welcolme to the forum

I have had pain with examinations, intercourse and tampons as well as vaginismus all my life, well since I tried tampons at 13 and ended up in tears

I always found it difficult to get smears done and even had to take a valium beforehand. I ended up getting more constant pain about 2 1/2 years ago now and put off my smear. Eventually the Gynea asked me to try when I had my appointment as the pain was low that day.

What he let me do was to insert (with his guidance) the instrument myself (I dont know what its called lol) and also press the lever when it opens a bit inside you. I found this easier as I had more control. Yes it hurt but I breathed and knew that it was only temporary.

If you need to get it done under general anaesthetic then do this as if I had not been able to do it the last time I would have asked to be put under anaesthetic

Good luck

There are many women who have had pain with sex their whole lives. Read the case studys on www.vulvodynia.com.au. Most on there suffered pain from day one.

Claire

I'm actually overdue for a smear test and keep getting bombarded with letters about it but I can't face the pain it would cause so I'm leaving it for a while until I (hopefully) have some better days.

i am also due a smear and am trying to get sorted out to having it as its so important, especially if anyone else is watching eastenders at the minute. have started pyhsio to sort out my pelvic floor so hoping to get that smear sooner rather than later xx