smear test

mairt baby

Hi ladies this is my first thread but I'm really anxious about this. I received a letter from the cervical cancer screening service to make an appointment for a smear test with my gp and now I'm dreading it. I've never had one before and I'm not really worried about the actual procedure I cant get out of mind what if the results don't come back positively. Has any one any words of advice

Cookie Jar

Hi OP.

I've had one smear test. Unlike you it was the procedure I was worried about.
Just relax, I know harder done than said, but nothing you can do will change or hurry up results.
I cant remember how long results took to get back, sorry.
But better having it done now to make sure everything is ok.
Everyone goes through the anxious feelings.
Try not to worry and best of luck.

candy-gal1

Was just wondering about this myself, does anyone know if the well woman clinics take a medical card? and do u have to make an appointment r can u just walk in?
any info much appreciated

Acoshla

Hiya, sorry about this now but my computer won't let me do paragraphs, so bear with me! As I just had my first smear today (feel all grown up now, silly I know!) I have to say it's really not so bad. I had it done at my local Family Planning Clinic, after some very unhelpful receptionists and nurses at my local Medical Centre last week - even though I specifically told them I was under 25 twice they still insisted I needed to register and wait to be called - I called the Family Planning Clinic yesterday and was able to book an appointment for today. There was no waiting, the nurse was lovely, spent 20 minutes explaining everything to me and the actual test was over in less than a minute, and I'm not exaggerating. I was terrified of both aspects, the test and the waiting for the results, but the test was fine, the nurse chatted away and made it all feel so normal (I have no idea how she did that, she was so good!) And as for the waiting time for results, I only have to wait two weeks as I had it done privately but as my Mom said to me, once you've the test done you've done all you can do, it's out of your hands, so just try and relax because worrying won't make it go faster. Good Luck xx

Cookie Jar

candy-gal1 wrote: »

Was just wondering about this myself, does anyone know if the well woman clinics take a medical card? and do u have to make an appointment r can u just walk in?
any info much appreciated

Im pretty sure they dont take medical card.. except in coolock northside?
You can walk in but be prepared to wait. Better off ringing up in advance.

More info there
http://www.wellwomancentre.ie/medical.html

LadyMayBelle

My understanding of the Well Woman clinics is that that will give you one visit free on the medical card. I was told horror stories before my smear, even my mam offering to collect me after saying I would be in discomfort just walking after it?? I have a super GP tho who really put me at ease. Only thing to remember, RELAX, and breathe. Will be over in a tick! And not a bother afterwards, I know some women will bleed a little but I had no experience of it. Good luck, you'll be fine x

There's absolutely no reason to dread it, least of all because you fear the results won't be good! Even if you do get an abnormal result (and over 10% of people do), it's still good that you caught it and can do something about it. Not getting tested is the absolute worst thing you can do. It is usually quick and fairly painless, remember the doctor/nurse has done it a bazillion times before. I've been having smears every 6 months since I was 20 and believe me, I barely even bat an eyelid at it now.

chuckles30

I had mine recently and was mildly surprised to get my results in less than 4 weeks. It was six months or that way the last time. As everyone else has said it's nothing to worry about, just relax as much as you can and yes....I know it's easier said than done!!

metaoblivia

I'm getting my annual smear test next week.
Now I won't lie to you - it's not the most comfortable thing in the world. I don't have it circled on my calendar with a heart, and I'm not thinking, "YES! I get to have a smear test done next week!"
But it's not painful either and there's nothing to be afraid of. It goes by pretty quickly. The most important thing is that you relax, let the doctor and nurse do their thing, and it's over before you know it.
Don't worry about the results. This comes from a self-proclaimed results worrier. Worrying won't do you any good and it's probably all for nothing anyway. When it comes to stuff like this, it's best to cross that bridge IF you come to it.

MissFlitworth

candy-gal1 wrote: »

Was just wondering about this myself, does anyone know if the well woman clinics take a medical card? and do u have to make an appointment r can u just walk in?
any info much appreciated

I really don't think they do take medical cards but you are entitled to a free smear

http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/

and defo make an appointment if you're going in, they can be really busy

dublingal80

i was just gonna say that the smears are free. you can go to your gp to get it done, and as everyone said here, its literally done in 1 minute or less.
Just relax, imagine you are somewhere else and it will be over.

My results came back about 2-3 weeks after it, but my gp called me first to say that they came back slightly abnormal and not to worry about it, it wasnt cancer or anything like that and that she will book me another one in 6 months time and things should be back to normal

im glad i got it done for sure, cos if they do find anything again, at least i know its not the big c and it prob can be treated

mandz

dublingal80 wrote: »

My results came back about 2-3 weeks after it, but my gp called me first to say that they came back slightly abnormal and not to worry about it, it wasnt cancer or anything like that and that she will book me another one in 6 months time and things should be back to normal

im glad i got it done for sure, cos if they do find anything again, at least i know its not the big c and it prob can be treated

Yeah that happened to me when I had a smear earlier this year. Just had my six month one done last week so now hoping all is well. I got a bit of a fright when my first one came back abnormal. Every now and then I do get a bit worried about what the result may be in four weeks but fingers crossed all goes well.

Smear isn't the worst experience - I won't lie its slightly uncomfortable but the more relaxed you are the the better it'll be. Obviously if your tense you're gonna feel it more.

Shaws

Getting your bikini line waxed is worse than getting a smear test done!!!
When making your appointment, ask the nurse when is the best time during your cycle to go, I think it's between day 12 and 14.

Just take deep breaths and you'll be grand!!

Good luck

claireycork

Shaws wrote: »

Getting your bikini line waxed is worse than getting a smear test done!!!
When making your appointment, ask the nurse when is the best time during your cycle to go, I think it's between day 12 and 14.

Just take deep breaths and you'll be grand!!

Good luck

I didnt realise there was a best time to get one done during your cycle? I only was told obviously not during your period lol

Well i had my first one over 6 months agao and i was the same- DREADING IT! but it was grand in the end! It is a tad uncomfortable but shaws is rite- bikini wax defo is far worse so dont fear! Also at my smear they can also take swabs for Cylamdia etc and its free so maybe you should get the works done:)

Any key?

Hey I need some advice on this topic.

Had a smear done on docs insistence when I was 20.
Returned the following year and she was gone but a different doctor said I shouldn't be getting them done til I'm 25 and turned me away.
Been in a bit of pain lately so slightly worried
,still under 25 and cervicalcheck online says I must be over grrrrrrrr!

Can I insist on one at my GP's?

I was under the impression you're perfectly entitled to it if you pay, you just don't qualify for the free test. I found Irish doctors were reluctant to do a smear for me as they said I was too young and there was no need (even though I'd had abnormal ones already!) but I'm sure they would if you insisted, especially if you have symptoms like pain or irregular bleeding.

Snoopy1

Ive had smear tests every 6 months for the last 2 years. it not the most pleasant of experiences, but its over incredibly quickly.

I didnt realise you could get it done privaely. Where do you go to get that done?

ncmc

I got a smear test done a few weeks ago and it like others have said, it's not the most pleasant experience but it was fine.

This was my third and I have to say, it was the least uncomfortable (I won't say most comfortable because that sounds weird!) My previous two were quite uncomfortable, but this was fine. Not sure if it was the fact that I went to a different doctor who was more gentle or what. I couldn't believe it when my results came back in a week! I had it as part of a GP visit and I paid, so don't know if that's part of the reason it came back so fast.

I know it's very easy to say 'don't worry about the results' but the fact is, if you have no syptoms and this is just a sceduled smear, then the chances of something being wrong are quite slim. As previous posters have said, even if the results are abnormal, chances are, it's nothing serious. My sister had abnormal results, and as a result she has to have them more frequently, but that's all.

To the poster who is not 25 yet, you are entitled to get a smear, but you are not entitled to a free smear so you'll have to pay. If you are showing symptoms then you should get one asap. I'm sure it's nothing but better safe than sorry.

lalalulu

Hi Girl's had my first smear two months ago i'm 27.. I didn't have to go at any particular time in my cycle, the nurse said i can have it done at any time of the month bar during my period. I had a baby last year and haven't been right since so i told the nurse i still have pain and she used a smaller swab stick and i can tell you i felt nothing!

Shaws

Hi
On the website cervicalcheck.ie, in the FAQ it states the best time to have a smear test is 10 - 14 days after the first day of your period

http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/about_cervical_screening/frequently_asked_questions.461.html#When%20is%20the%20best%20time%20to%20have%20a%20smear%20test?

Thanks

ash23

I had my first one done at my 6 week check up post birth. It was free and I was 20.

Had another at 23 through personal choice and I paid for it - about 60 quid I think. Did it with my GP.

Was in the GP recently for irregular bleeding and she noted it was 3 years since last smear so did one there and then and I got the results in about 2 weeks. That one was with the cervical check one. She just filled in a form with me and I signed it and she sent it off.