My First Smear Test Experience

A few months ago I got that that letter in the post. It was time to book my smear test. I knew it was something that had to be done but I just didn’t know enough about it which is exactly why I’ve decided to write about my first smear test experience. I’m hoping that by doing this, other twenty-somethings can get an idea of what it’s really like and understand how there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

What is a smear test and who needs one?

A smear test (also known as a cervical screening or PAP test) checks the health of your cervix. It involves a small sample of cells being taken which are checked for high-risk types of HPV which if found, can then be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. People between the ages of 25-64 with a cervix are invited to go for a smear test.

Why is having one important?

Having a smear test is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting cervical cancer and although it can’t prevent it, it gives you the best chance of spotting high-risk HPV cells and treating them before they turn into cervical cancer. So yeah, it could save your life. Pretty important I’d say!

How do you book one?

When you get ‘the letter’, just call up your GP to book an appointment. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can request a female nurse to conduct the test and it’s best to book a few days after your period.

FEATURED: TOPSHOP DRESS, NEW LOOK BOOTS (SIMILAR), TOPSHOP NECKLACE

My first smear test experience

My mum was always fairly open with me about going for a smear test so I always knew what lied ahead of me when I hit 25. The letter inviting me to attend my first ever cervical screening arrived when I was 24 and a half so I could book it before my 25th birthday. Bearing in mind I opened the letter in November, I didn’t actually get around to booking it until February time. It was a classic case of just putting it off. I knew I’d eventually go but was just like “meh, I’ll book it soon”.

After my mum nagging me for weeks (and rightly so) I eventually got around to booking my smear test and it was at that point that the anxiety and dread swarmed my body. To combat the fear and learn more about what a screening actually entails, I spent some time doing research and found Zoe Sugg’s video really helpful. It made me feel much more relaxed and understanding of the process of getting a smear test.

My appointment came around quickly and before I knew it, I was standing in the waiting room. I had panicked beforehand about whether to shave or not, what to wear and all these little things which now seem like such a waste of energy. You just need to do what makes you feel comfortable. Well, as comfortable as one can be in that situation!

A friendly face smiling beneath a mask called me in and suddenly it was happening. I was there. I sat down with the nurse for 5-10 minutes where we discussed the pill, periods and HPV jab I’d had over 10 years ago amongst general chit chat. I explained how I was feeling really anxious and normally faint in doctors and hospitals but she was so reassuring and happy to answer any questions I had. I feel so lucky I had such a lovely nurse as she really put me at ease straightaway.

After our chat, she drew the curtain around the bed and asked me to undress from the waist down. I purposely wore a dress with no tights so it was easy to just slip my knickers off and pop them on my chair and I really recommend doing that! If you’re wearing trousers or shorts, you might feel more exposed when you are quite literally half naked whereas with a dress, you can keep your shoes on and you just feel slightly more covered up.

I lied down on the bed and she explained what the process was then asked if I was ready for her to start the screening. She inserted the speculum with a splodge of lubricant followed by the soft brush to collect the cells. This only took a few moments and although I was expecting some discomfort and pain, I genuinely didn’t really feel anything. I really can’t emphasise enough how much it didn’t hurt because I know there are so many women who don’t attend smear tests because they’re scared of the pain! I have a really low pain threshold where literally everything hurts me and with a history of fainting and properly working myself up about things, I was bricking it. But I promise you, it didn’t cause me any pain at all! I guess it was just like a really gentle scratching (but not scratching because that sounds painful but I can’t think of another word haha) and only went on for about 10 seconds. All in all, the whole test was no longer than 30-40 seconds. It flew by!

My biggest tip for the actual test itself is to relax. If you’re tense, I imagine it’s more painful and difficult for the nurse to conduct the test so just chill!

Once it’s all done and dusted, the nurse informed me then stepped behind the curtain so I could pop my knickers back on. I remember saying “was that really it?” and she laughed! She left some sheets of tissue on the side for me to clean up a bit (aka wipe away the lube haha) and then it was all over. She said I’d receive my results in two weeks and wished me a good afternoon as I thanked her for making me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Then I just carried on with my day as usual! I didn’t experience any spotting or pain afterwards so I didn’t even feel like I’d had it done if that makes any sense!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m feeling a bit anxious about the results but at the end of the day, they’re the reason I’ve had the screening so whatever the results may be, I just need to deal with it then!

So there we have it. That’s what my first smear test experience was like. Not bad at all! I thought it was so important to share this so anyone who was in my shoes a few weeks ago, worrying about the dreaded smear test and the horrendous pain (please note the sarcasm), can now understand it’s really nothing! Okay so it’s not the most wonderful experience in the world but you’re best off getting it over and done with, forgetting about the ’embarrassment’ and remembering that the doctors and nurses conducting smear tests have seen it all before! But most importantly, it could save your life and that’s something you can’t argue with.

What was your first smear test experience like? Or is it something you’ve put off?

For more information on cervical screening, I recommend visiting Jo’s Cervical Cancel Trust or the NHS website.