Another Smear Test Thread

LegacyUser

Yes I know there's loads of them since Jade but it can't be a bad thing that she has influenced girls to go for one....including me. I am 27, been sexually active since 17 and have never had a smear test. Up until now it never crossed my mind. Idiotic I know but I'm that type of person, I'm far too easy going about certain things....but the Jade thing has really scared me, she's the same age as me.

Basically I want to book a smear test. As it will be my first I am very nervous. Obviously I'm no virgin but I've never had anyone but a partner near that area so I am afraid....I'm not good at going to the doctor even if I just have the flu or something so this is something I am dreading. I know it isn't painful, just uncomfortable but I want to go to someone who is nice and understanding and who has seen it all before a million times. Does anyone have any good recommendations for a good doctor in Dublin, preferrably North Dublin (Howth/Malahide/Swords areas) that is known to be good for women's health? I've checked on cervicalcheck.ie and there are loads of Doctors in my area on the list but I'm looking for one that anyone here has been to or heard that is good with this sort of thing.

Sorry for the ramble, I really am very nervous about it and just want to make it as easy as possible. Thanks for any help.

abi2007

The nurse in the plaza clinic in swords is really good, she's very friendly and makes you feel at ease. no. is 8902414

Nevyn

All of the drs on there will have done this time and time again which is why the are registered.

I don't have any personal experiences of dr out that way hopefully somoene who has
will be able to refer you.


http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/

What is CervicalCheck?

CervicalCheck - The National Cervical Screening Programme is a Government-funded service that provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60.
What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening tests women for changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb) by a smear test.
What is a smear test?

A smear test (sometimes called a pap test) is used for cervical screening. It is a simple procedure where a doctor or nurse (smeartaker) takes a sample of cells from the cervix (neck of the womb) to look for early changes. A smear test can identify cell changes before they become cancer cells. If these cells are not found and treated, they could become cancerous.
Who should have a smear test?

Every woman aged between 25 and 60 should have a regular smear test and continue to have regular smear tests after the menopause. If you are aged over 60 years and have never had a smear test, please contact your local CervicalCheck registered smeartaker to discuss your cervical screening needs.
Why should I have this test?

Quite simply, having a regular smear test could save your life.
When is the best time to have a smear test?

The best time to attend for your smear test is mid-cycle - that is, 10 to 14 days after the first day of your period (if you are having periods).
Where can I have a smear test?

You can choose to have a free smear test from any smeartaker (doctor or nurse) registered with CervicalCheck. For example:

* General Practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses,
* Family Planning Clinics, and
* Well Woman Centres or Women’s Health Clinics.

For details of registered smeartakers, contact CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or visit www.cervicalcheck.ie. Please have your Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.) with you when you go to have your smear test.
How is a smear test taken?

A smear test is a very simple procedure that takes less than five minutes. It may be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful.

You may lie on your side or on your back for your smear test. The doctor or nurse taking the test will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to hold it open. The cervix is the area where the top of the vagina leads to the uterus (womb). The doctor or nurse will use a small, specialised brush to gently remove a sample of cells from the cervix. This sample is sent to the laboratory to be checked.
What if I've had a hysterectomy?

If you have had a hysterectomy, you should check with your doctor to see if you need to continue having regular smear tests. In general, the need to screen after a hysterectomy will depend on whether you have a cervix.
How often should I have a smear test?

After the first smear test, women aged 25 to 44 will be invited by CervicalCheck to have a free smear test every three years. We will invite women aged 45 to 60 to have a free smear test every five years once they have had two 'no abnormality detected' smear test results at three yearly intervals.

CervicalCheck will advise you when your next free smear test is due. If you have any unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge, do not wait for your next smear test – contact your doctor immediately.
Results

CervicalCheck will send you a letter about your results within four weeks of your smear test. The result of your test will also be available from your smeartaker.

Most smear test results are found to be normal. Please try not to worry if you are called back for another test. The result could be due to an infection or minor cells changes that may or may not need treatment.

If your result is not normal you may need to have another free smear test or a more detailed examination of the cervix using a type of microscope. This test is called a colposcopy. If there are cell changes on your cervix they can be easily treated to prevent them developing into cancer cells.
What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a simple examination that is carried out the same way as a smear test. A doctor or nurse will look at the cervix using a type of microscope called a colposcope. During the examination, a liquid or dye may be applied to the cervix to help identify any changes to the cells. A colposcopy can be done safely during pregnancy.

Before the colposcopy, the doctor or nurse should explain:

* the colposcopy examination,
* the possible treatments for changes in the cells of the cervix, and
* any risks linked to the treatment.

What is the CervicalCheck register?

The CervicalCheck register is a secure electronic database that contains your name, address, date of birth and Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.). The register also records your smear test results and any related procedures that you might have had.

Be assured that your information is secure. To maintain confidentiality, you will be given a unique identification number by the CervicalCheck register. You can make sure you are on the register by calling CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or checking online at www.cervicalcheck.ie. To keep the register up to date, please let us know if there is any change to your personal details such as name or address.

The Health (Provision of Information) Act 1997 allows CervicalCheck get your name, address and date of birth so that we can invite you for regular free smear tests.
Is consent necessary?

A woman is asked to sign a consent form prior to her free smear test. This consent allows CervicalCheck to receive, hold and use a woman's personal details and information about her smear test sample. This may include past smear samples and colposcopy results.

CervicalCheck may share this information with the doctor or nurse who took your smear test (smeartaker), laboratory staff, colposcopy clinic, the National Cancer Registry and their servants or agents.
How will CervicalCheck use my information?

We will use your details to:

*
invite you for a free CervicalCheck smear when your test is due
*
advise you if any further treatment is needed or when to have your next smear test
*
include in statistics and reports - this will help to review CervicalCheck and find out how well it is working
*
possibly invite you to take part in research

About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb). Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in Europe. Cervical cells change slowly and take many years to develop into cancer cells, making cervical cancer a preventable disease.
How can I reduce my risk of getting cervical cancer?

*
Have a regular smear test to pick up any early problems.
*
Stop smoking
*
Visit your doctor if you have any concerns or symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge.

Victor

Whatever it is, if you are worried or nervous, just explain it to the person you are dealing with and they can help you.

girlbiker

Chiiiilllll, it'll be grand, they do it everyday, its no hassle.

Have to admit that I was nervous going for my first one, not very often you ahem "present" yourself like that but honestly they dont care. Go to Suffolk Street, they are very nice and easy going and if you say youre nervous they'll be nice. I told the Dr. to get the smear over with before she took my blood pressure cos it would be sky high with me worrying.:eek:
It was grand, over in two minutes.

Go do it and good luck!:)

embee

Someone told me once that it's very similar to the sensation of having a membrane sweep, your waters broken for you when you're in labour, or having a pessary inserted.

I've experienced all of these, and whilst they're uncomfortable and you won't know where to look, it's quick and relatively painless. Well worth it in the long run and it only takes a few seconds to do the actual procedure.

Best of luck!

username123

Its totally grand, the worst bit is putting your knickers back on afterwards

They get you to lie back and they put a paper sheet over you from belly to mid thigh so youre not lying there totally exposed to the world. Then they get a big light and lift up the paper where they need to and actually take the smear, you cant SEE whats happening so that helps a bit. Its slightly uncomfortable if you are tense, but given a choice between a smear and a mouth full of dental instruments Id choose a smear anyday!!

I only had my first one done at 28 having been sexually active for 10 years. The doc was a little shocked that I hadnt had one yet. Like you Id been avoiding it - but once I done it one I was fine with it.

Ive had to have 3 in the past year due to abnormalities (*all ok*) - but they are such a non event to me now that I honestly dont even remember when in the year I had the different ones.

louisecm

Just as an FYI, it's really not that bad. I've had 2 now, and they're a little bit uncomfortable but its all over very quickly. And obviously well worth it!

Total non-event. I'm only 23 and I've had about 20 of these examinations in the last few years including colposcopies. Normal smear tests are absolutely grand - a few minutes of awkwardness and then it's all over.