never been for a smear test

LegacyUser

I'm 27 and never been for a smear test. Have been thinking about getting a smear for the past year and would like to get one done but I'm so embarrassed to even book one.

I've a question: do I wait to be offered a smear test from my GP or do I need to make an appointment with my GP. When making an appointment do I need to mention to the receptionist what the appointment is for? I'd rather not actually tell the receptionist my business. I hope to go to the doctor next week for another problem. Would it be best to wait and tell him then that I'd like to get a smear test done.

Any advice would be great.

MissFlitworth

You need to book a smear, you can't wander in and assume your doc will e prepared to perform one. Don't worry bout telling the receptionist, they deal with this stuff all day long. You're entitled to a free smear test, go to http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/ and find out where near you offers it

dearg lady

Yeah, best to mention it when makin the appt. Don't worry about saying to the receptionist, they'll be well used to hearing it. And every woman needs to have them so it's not like you're an unusual case. I hear girls telling scare stories and it really bugs me, please don't be put off, it's slightly uncomfortable at worse and if you mention you're nervous they'll use the smallest speculum(I think that's what it's called) believe me, they're well used to nervous peeps, I know I was one!! Don't put it off any longer though, it's best to get checked.

trowelled

You need to register with cervical check before you can make an appointment with your doctor. They have changed how things operate as of 1st September. You can go onto their website to do it (someone has provided it above) or call 1800 45 45 55. They'll give you what is called a CSP ID and from what I gather they then send you out a letter inviting you to go get a smear done with your doctor but they can advise you best as to what the next step is.

Also just to say when it does come to booking the smear with your doctor you will need to tell the receptionist what the appointment is for as it is more than likely that the doctor only performs smears on certain days.

Lady Muck

I was 27 when I had my first and I had CIN 3, which is severe pre-cancer cells. I don't mean to scare you but it is very important you get it done, for peace of mind.

Seraphina

As someone who works as a doctor's receptionist, don't worry, we hear MUCH more embarrassing things. We don't care and we are also bound by very strong confidentiality agreements. Your smear test is not worth losing our job over.

edit: also you definitely need to mention when booking. a smear test takes longer than a normal appointment, and the doctor needs to have the equipment ready.

martdalto

I know you probably don't believe us, but there is NOTHING to be worrying about. Either in dealing with the receptionist, or the actual smear itself. As someone else mentioned, at worse, it's slightly uncomfortable. I'm 32 now and have been getting them every 2-3 years since I was about 23 or so. At this stage, I don't even really feel anything. (Although, I suppose having 3 children and any amount of people looking, picking, poking, prodding etc around there, I don't think anything could bother me down there now!!!!)

The first one I was obviously a little anxious, so that maybe contributed to the "slight" discomfort (very, very slight!)

It doesn't take long.. The actual procedure itself probably takes about a minute (possibly even less if the doctor/nurse is good!!)

You will be relieved when it's done, and you will wonder what you were fussing about!

deisemum

I had one done on Wednesday and it wasn't even uncomfortable and for once the equipment wasn't cold. It's very quick plus she spent more time checking my blood pressure, breast examination, plus reviewing results of blood tests I had a few months back, she reviewed them back then.

You need to tell the receptionist what it's for so all the forms are ready and also to make sure you go at the right time of the month.

boarddotie

Seeing your post spurred me onto investigating how to get one done!

If you ring 1800454555 they will make sure that you are on the list of people entitled to a free smear test. They then say that there is an automated system whereby the letters of invitation are generated. This could take up to 6 months the lady told me. But once you recieve that you can go ahead and book the appointment at your chosen doctors surgery

Vasco

Do they check for chlymidya when they do a smear test?

Stheno

Vasco wrote: »

Do they check for chlymidya when they do a smear test?

No for that you need a different test.

dearg lady

Vasco wrote: »

Do they check for chlymidya when they do a smear test?

It's not the same test, chlamydia test they need a pee sample. You could get the two done in same visit if you ask.

LegacyUser

Op here!

Thanks for the advice. I definately wouldn't have known that you had to register for a smear test with cervicalcheck.ie. Will go over to site and register after this. A poster mentioned that I then have to wait for a letter which could take up to 6 months - its such a pity about that because I'm all geared up for it now; I may not be in 6 months time.

Checked out the site above a few days ago, and I'm glad to see my gp does them. He's male though! I'd probably be more comfortable with a lady doctor but the lady doctor in the local medical centre is not very nice.

dimple_smile

I went for one first time this year, even tho technically I was too young for it (im 23) and it's really not a big deal. I called my GP and talked to receptioninst about it, she informed me they dont do it in our surgery so I was referred to local family planning centre. Called them, got and appointment and that's it. It's nothing to be embarrased about, all women have to get it done we're all in the same boat :rolleyes:

Orla K

You wont be as bad as what I did. I went into the wellwoman clinic and completely forgot the name, I then started trying to discribe it complete with hand actions:o. She told me that they were changing the way they worked it where you have to register but that doesn't start until the 1st of september so get to the doctor now and get it done (also I don't think it'll be the doctor doing it, it'll be the nurse)

smear.test.lady

smear.test.lady wrote: »

Checked out the site above a few days ago, and I'm glad to see my gp does them. He's male though! I'd probably be more comfortable with a lady doctor but the lady doctor in the local medical centre is not very nice.

You could see if they have a female surgery nurse?

LegacyUser

Moonbaby wrote: »

You could see if they have a female surgery nurse?

I checked the list of registered smeartakers for my medical centre at cervicalcheck.ie. The medical centre has a nurse but her name hasn't appeared on the list. Sure I'll worry about who to get a smear test from when the time comes.

dudara

Mention that you want a cervical smear test when talking to the receptionist. Also bear in mind that a smear test should be performed mid-cycle, so factor that in when making your appointment.

martdalto

Hiya smear.test.lady, if you are comfortable with your own GP then there is no reason for him not to do it.

I have a male GP. I am so comfortable talking to him about anything (and showing him anything!) There's also a female GP in his surgery for years, and as a teen my mother used to book me in with her if I ever had "woman troubles". I never took to her, and always went back to my own GP with my "troubles"!!

After my last baby was born, I went back for my 6 week check up and GP said he would do a smear for me there and then. He asked if I wanted a female to do it, or if I wanted a female to come on and chaperone. I told him no need. I am completely comfortable with him.

I know it's a completely personal thing, and maybe you'd prefer a female to do it?

Ring your surgery. Ask the questions. You mightn't have to wait as long as you think.

Go for it! It'll be over before you know it, and then you'll be on giving advice to someoneelse telling them, it's a load of fuss about nothing!

Ickle Magoo

smear.test.lady wrote: »

I checked the list of registered smeartakers for my medical centre at cervicalcheck.ie. The medical centre has a nurse but her name hasn't appeared on the list. Sure I'll worry about who to get a smear test from when the time comes.

Just try not to worry, easier said than done, I know. All things gynae are awkward and bit embarrassing and we'd rather not do them - but the relief of knowing you get the all clear is well worth any discomfort, physical or otherwise.

Register at https://www.cervicalcheck.ie/self_register/self_register.459.selfregister.html to get started.

newbie2009

I have one fairly regularly and they're fine. In fairness they is no need to feel embarrassed regarding the doctor and most GPs have seen ahell of a lot worse!

Ickle Magoo

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

Just try not to worry, easier said than done, I know. All things gynae are awkward and bit embarrassing and we'd rather not do them - but the relief of knowing you get the all clear is well worth any discomfort, physical or otherwise.

I might be a bit oversensitive about this topic, but please remember we don't all get the all clear, unfortunately. Whatever the outcome, it is important to get them done. I got a a bit of a shock when it didn't go as smoothly as I expected, but I consider myself especially lucky to have persevered with the smears, since I now know I have a little risk there and I need to keep an eye on it. Whether you get the all clear or find out you might need treatment, it's well worth any discomfort. I should know, I've had about 4 of them this year

tara2

you poor thing i know how u feel,but take it from me its not that bad,i was the same as i was afraid 2 but then i had the test and it was over im i sec and pain free,why don u go to a female doctor that way you might feel more comfi and relax more.you dont need to tell the girl at the desk but i can assure you she wouldnt bat a eye lid,be sure to get the test done it could save your life,best of luck x

chuckles30

I had one today and it was just slightly uncomfortable.....but over before you know it. Though I have to say my first one was done by a female - the second one a couple of years ago was done by a male & today's was again done by a female......and I have to say that given a choice I would definitely go back to the male doctor. I thought he was the most considerate. (I have moved house....hence the changing of smear-takers). Though I have to say the waiting time seems to have improved remarkably since my last one.....apparently I'm going to have the results in about 3 weeks - I think it was almost 6 months the last time.