Scans, smears and the hated gynecology chair

emmabrighton

Sorry mods if this has been done to death or should be merged with another thread. I just wanted to give my 2 cents regarding a first visit to a gyno.
I have heard so many people say that smear tests/fertility testing is no big deal and it is just a job to the Gyno and the nurse. That, of course, doesn't stop the poor unsuspecting girly making her first apointment. I am sorry to say that at 31 I am very late getting started but proud to announce that I had my first today.

Yipeee!

I was sick with nervousness going in. I had people tell me that it was no big deal and not to get worried and, to be honest, that just made me feel worse. Whats wrong with me? Why am I worried when nobody else gets nervous? I must be such a prude!!!! and on... and on... and on... until I had worked myself into such a state I considered cancelling it this morning. But, I didn't. It was so uncomfortable sitting in the waiting room - the practice was for both men and women and I was the only woman in there at the time. A couple of men came and went and I convinced myself that they were thinking I had some STI. Again, I almost ran but instead listened to Ray D'Arcy and red AH - that kept my mind off it... a bit.

I had to wait for nearly an hour because they were backed up. This, actually worked in my favour as it gave me time to get used to the place and I was nearly calm by the time the nurse called me. She brought me into an office, asked me a few questions and took some blood tests. It was at this point I mentioned how nervous I was and how I feel really bad for putting it off. I told her that I must be such a prude because I think that way but she reassured me that it was really normal and lots of women are nervous going for the first time. And, when you think about it, it is a huge ordeal! Even my other half doesn't get that much alone time with my girly bits


When I went into the Gyno's office, they brought me tea and a biscuit. Her office was lovely with calming lavender on the table. The Gyno was chatty and friendly when she was taking my details and not once criticized me for not coming sooner or for drinking too much or being overweight. She was not at all like my GP. That really helped! She really tried to put me at ease and it nearly worked.

Then she directed me behind a screen and handed me a tissue towel to wrap myself with and asked me to undress my bottom half. She and the nurse were both in the room. Cue panic! Even the beauty therapist leaves while you sneak under the blanket before your massage.
If any of you have seen the scene in Starsky and Hutch where Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller have incy wincy little hand towels wrapped around their waist in the changing room, then you can imagine how I looked with a paper towel hiding my *ahem* bits. All I kept thinking was my toe nails aren't polished but thank god I shaved my legs - honestly, the things that go through your mind!!!
I was so tense lying on the chair with my legs spread wide and the two of them with front row seats. Ugh it was so awkward! But then I think the nurse realised how uncomfortable I was and came and stood at my shoulder and took my hand... awwwwww! The Gyno must really love her job because she got so excited that I was at peak fertility and was trying to show me the evidence. Nothing doing! I had my eyes screwed shut!!!! Then they took a smear - ouch little bit painful but just felt like someone itching the inside of your cheek. By this stage I was calming down - I mean, the worst was over, I had walked from behind the screen to the awful table and climbed up and spread-um :P Then I had a scan and this was where it actually became interesting. I could see on the screen my uterus and ovaries. Don't ask me why but I found it fascinating.

Another few moments and all was done. I made a quick dash back behind the screen with what was left of the scrunched up paper towel for coverage.

And that was that. A few more moments of filling out paper work and discussing the visual results from the scan - basically she told me from what she could see everything is a-okay - textbook , my wallet is considerably lighter but I am an awful lot happier. I had been worrying about that event for so long that it was almost too much to bare. I don't think I will be nearly as nervous the next time I go in but I am going to make sure I have a pedicure beforehand.

Still don't think I could bring myself to get a bikini wax tho :eek:

Honey-ec

Between this and the other thread about the family planning clinic I'm beginning to think I must be a weirdo; I don't find anything like that at all scary/embarrassing/nervy. My first smear, at 21, was with a male gyno, I thought nothing of it. Have had doctors not leave the room while you're stripping too, again, it's no skin off my nose. If they're going to be looking right inside me I really don't think it's a big deal if they see my underwear first.

Each to their own, I guess.

I do think it was bad form of the nurse to describe it as an ordeal, though. Not the best way to calm a nervous patient, imo.

Storminateacup

I would only go to male gynos, I find that they're a lot more gentle than women. I used to enjoy seeing my full bladder during my trans ultrasound. Pretty cool!!

byhookorbycrook

Storminateacup wrote: »

. I used to enjoy seeing my full bladder during my trans ultrasound. Pretty cool!!

I have had three ultra sounds and for the first,wasn't told I needed a full bladder so was sent back to the ward with 2ls of water to drink asap.
They kept me waiting 2 hrs.
I was nearly cross legged, doing what we teachers call "the junior infant pee dance." When she pressed down,I swear I thought I was going to pee there and then.
I can't run or move very fast anymore due to my MS, but by the heavens, I was off that chair and down the corridor to the loo in a sub-ten second time.

My gp is a great woman for the smear test, go in with a sore throat and next thing..as a friend says, the big thing is where do you put your knickers?Do you leave them on the floor ,hold them in your hand,leave them on a chair....

LeeHoffmann

OP, I'd be like you - nervous and avoiding it. Well done for getting up the courage to go

username123

Honey-ec wrote: »

Between this and the other thread about the family planning clinic I'm beginning to think I must be a weirdo; I don't find anything like that at all scary/embarrassing/nervy.

Either do I. Ive had smears, gyny exams, rectal exams, male doctors, female doctors, audiences of students, nurses etc... Ive never been bothered by a doctor examining my privates, and I dont mind about other medical people watching. What I didnt like was walking up after an orthopediac surgery and finding Id been given a anti inflammatory suppository anally - I just didnt like the idea of being out cold while that was happening!! But hey - I was hardly violated, there were probably 30 people standing in attendance at the time!

The worst part, for me, is trying to get dressed afterwards without falling over. It just never seems right to put your bare bum on the doctors chair so I end up pinwheeling around the room trying to put my knickers on without falling over

But well done OP!! I have a 36 year old friend who still hasnt managed a smear, she did actually go, but had such an extreme nervous reaction that she fainted and they cancelled it! Theres now talk of sedating her for it.

iguana

My first smear was at 21 and when I went in for it the doctor asked if I'd mind if the medical students watched. I had an instant of WTF!!! But then figured that they have to learn somehow so said ok and it was.

candy-gal1

Great hearing all the experiences here, always good to know what your in for with something like this.
just wanted to ask, and apologies if this sounds stupid lol, but when you get a sti test/screening, is part of that a smear? i wasnt told this when i went in and i didnt bother to ask as i didnt think of it, twas a few years ago, i was told by a friend it was but just wanting to know for sure, thanks

Morag

IT used to be a smear and an sti test were separate but recently they have started testing for Chlamydia when doing a smear test.

I'm luck that my dr or the practice nurse do mine for me. No chair just up on the bed with my ankles together and my knees flopped apart. It's quick and as long as I remember to breathe and relax it's all good. Mind you a few interesting quotes on the ceiling would make it more intresting.

I always keep my underwear in my hand in a ball it's something to hold on to and distract myself and that way it's to hand to put on.

Yes medical students have to learn somewhere, at least your asked, for years in the USA when a woman under went an op which required her to be out under a general for more then 2 hours in the sheaf of consent forums was a clause for students to take part and they used that to bring in jr drs to do smears and to practice.
I know! and doing it on a concious person is a lot different.

LeeHoffmann

for years in the USA when a woman under went an op which required her to be out under a general for more then 2 hours in the sheaf of consent forums was a clause for students to take part and they used that to bring in jr drs to do smears and to practice.

:eek:

IT used to be a smear and an sti test were separate but recently they have started testing for Chlamydia when doing a smear test.

now that's a good idea

Iguana, asking for med students to be present on your first one seems a bit insensitive. I'd be outta there like a shot if that was me!

pippam

iguana wrote: »

My first smear was at 21 and when I went in for it the doctor asked if I'd mind if the medical students watched. I had an instant of WTF!!! But then figured that they have to learn somehow so said ok and it was.

That's mad, well done for going through with it. I had my first smear test at at 21 too, one year ago. It was with my GP, an old man. It was a bit embarrassing as when I pulled my knickers down, I was soaking. Not because I was turned on but because I was over thinking the whole process. Maybe I'm just weird.

Neyite

After 18 months of fertility investigations I can state that I probably have no shame whatsoever left.:p On my very first ever smear, the nurse was a lovely mammy-type who was very gentle, explanatory and extremely reassuring - she told me I had a lovely cervix so from then on, I told myself that my pretty cervix would distract the medical staff

I have had transvag scans while on my period, while my partner was sitting right beside me. He has attended every scan with me, and is well used to handing me the extra tissue to mop up the lube, followed by helping me off the stirrups, unwrapping the tampax and holding our my drawers for me to step into like you would for a toddler! .

My gynae GP insisted on doing my smear last year, despite me telling her that I was ovulating and had sex, so probably there was semen in there. Didnt faze her a jot. I figured, if she was matter of fact about it, then I could be too.

I will probably have a hell of a lot more poking around in the nethers towards the end of this pregnancy, so I am glad I can drop em without a second thought.

I would not have a problem whatsoever with med students in the room.

candy-gal1

Sharrow wrote: »

IT used to be a smear and an sti test were separate but recently they have started testing for Chlamydia when doing a smear test.

I'm luck that my dr or the practice nurse do mine for me. No chair just up on the bed with my ankles together and my knees flopped apart. It's quick and as long as I remember to breathe and relax it's all good. Mind you a few interesting quotes on the ceiling would make it more intresting.

I always keep my underwear in my hand in a ball it's something to hold on to and distract myself and that way it's to hand to put on.

Yes medical students have to learn somewhere, at least your asked, for years in the USA when a woman under went an op which required her to be out under a general for more then 2 hours in the sheaf of consent forums was a clause for students to take part and they used that to bring in jr drs to do smears and to practice.
I know! and doing it on a concious person is a lot different.

so, opposite way, if you went for an sti screening a couple of years back then it partly could be part of a smear?

Honey-ec

candy-gal1 wrote: »

so, opposite way, if you went for an sti screening a couple of years back then it partly could be part of a smear?

Not necessarily.

panda100

Op you are definately not alone.I am absolutely terrified of getting my smear done or anything medical done down there. I think it started when I was a med student and saw two horrific smear tests that looked so uncomfortable and horrific. Studying med really does put you off a lot of medical interventions because you know what the worst case scenario is going to be.
The only way I can do std testing/smear or anything like that is to bring a girl friend along, and I would only ever go to a well women centre.I did get a relaxant of a gp friend because I was so nervous once. I would really recomend this for people as it made me relax nd just get passed the first ordeal.

LeeHoffmann

I was a med student and saw two horrific smear tests that looked so uncomfortable and horrific.

not looking for graphic details but what was so horrific about them?

IvyTheTerrible

I have to say, I was nervous with the idea of going to a gynaecologist but once I had to go (getting pregnant) I found it was no hassle at all. Perhaps it depends on the gynaecologist but he really puts me at my ease. I'm naked from the waist down and I hardly even notice, he chats away to me, it's not uncomfortable or anything.

I realised last week that I had fully gotten over my nervousness, when I finished my gyny appointment and realised he had done the check to see if my cervix was closed (fingers inside) and I hadn't even noticed.

panda100

panda100 wrote: »

I did get a relaxant of a gp friend because I was so nervous once.

I can't believe people get so nervous!

To be honest (and I know I'll sound like a loon), the only thing I was apprehensive about was how to have myself groomed down there! I didn't want it to look like a jungle, but I didn't want to be perfectly groomed in case I looked like I was trying to be sexy for the doctor! But the whole looking/prodding/speculum thing wasn't a concern for me. I was actually kind of looking forward to it because I was the first of my friends to get an examination down there and I wanted to tell them all about it

When I got there, both the nurse and the doctor had a go (it was an STI check accompanied by a pelvic exam, so the swabs were taken by the nurse and the exam was done by the doctor). They were both lovely, and because I had come in in a dress there was minimal exposed-ness.

Maple

My most horrific experience when getting a smear was when the doctor left me lying there, legs akimbo, the speculum inside me and toddled off to the other side of the room because he hadn't been prepared when starting off and needed to get some swab stick thingys.

Apart from that, I'm not bothered about them at all, I've had a colposcopy and Letz treatments, I'm so used to them that I can't go to the doctors for a sore throat without stopping myself from whipping off my knickers.

It's just something that has to be done when you're a woman, sure it's not the most pleasant thing ever but they're necessary.

ENMcD

I went in today for a check up, im 22 and had cin3 results 6 months ago. Wasnt nervous or anything because knew they would do a smear to check results or whatever. Anyways I walk into the room and have a male doctor, female doctor and a nurse and asked if it was ok for med student to join I was like ya fine she might learn something haha think it was more awkward for than me!
Anyways done the usual check up and smear and after 15mins of lying there she was on about the bleeding (original reason i got a smear, bled during intercourse) wasnt feeling great as it was and she said oh we will do a little procedure to help stop this bleeding (yay normal sex life will be back minus blood!) But was worried because wasnt expecting it so nurse started telling me what would happen and said use a need up there to numb me.. *bang* out cold unconscious!
It was the worst feeling ever my brain trying to tell me to wake up but my body wouldnt let me kept seeing male doctor at my side but slipped in and out before sitting straight up crying unable to breath.
Now i have fainted numerous of times and but i knew this was different.
The med student had disappeared by then probably scared her
I cried for ten mins trying to make sense of things and doctor said i had a seizure, cue me crying again! Thankfully my mom was in the waiting room and was there to calm me!
After some tea and biscuits (no procedure) I rang my doctor and went to him in case I needed to see a neurologist, but thankfully he told me it was a vasovagal attack so could relax. On the downside have to wait another 6months to do my procedure. But that was my experience

Pythia

I couldn't care less. Went in the other day to get my pill presciption renewed and doctor said my smear was due in a month and did I want it now. I said yep, pulled down my tights, got on the bed and she did it. A few seconds later it was over and that was that.

You have to get naked to get waxed or get a spray tan, as well as when you are with your partner so why is such a big deal?

My legs weren't properly shaved and I probably hadn't had a shower that day but the doctor probably sees far worse so I'm not going to worry about people judging me.

I am really amazed people think this is anything other than quick and easy. It is not a big deal, or an ordeal, you are psyching yourself up for no reason if you even think for a second it is.

LegacyUser

Is it possible to get a smear test done under the age of 20?

I ask because I'm 17 and I lost my virginity a few months ago and in the three times I've had intercourse since, I have bled until the following evening. I know this isn't normal and I'm not looking for medical advice here. I was actually looking cervical cancer up, just to check and found this thread. I'm just wondering if I should get a smear test or even can I?

LeeHoffmann

You have to get naked to get waxed or get a spray tan, as well as when you are with your partner so why is such a big deal?

Maybe the people who aren't comfortable with the idea are also the ones who don't routinely get naked for wax/tan etc. I don't get waxed or spray-tanned so there really is no situation in my life where I would be or have been naked in front of anyone other than my sexual partners. Being naked with your OH is completely different to being naked with a stranger. :rolleyes:

I'm just wondering if I should get a smear test or even can I?

I really can't give you much advice on this, except to contact your doctor. They will be able to answer your questions, give you information on possible causes and provide treatment. Don't freak yourself out with thoughts of what it could be - get in touch with your doctor and put your mind at ease. Good luck

Acoshla

Pythia wrote: »

You have to get naked to get waxed or get a spray tan, as well as when you are with your partner so why is such a big deal?

As Lee Hoffman said there are those of us who wouldn't get waxed or a spray tan because we'd have to be naked or near enough to it in front of strangers, some people just aren't comfortable with it. I'll go for a smear etc because I know it's good for my health, no way in hell am I going to take my clothes off to be sprayed orange, a horror I can avoid completely in my lifetime.

And to say it's the same as taking your clothes off with your partner is ridiculous, that's completely different! And there are also those who aren't even comfortable doing that so imagine how horrible the thought of taking clothes off for a stranger is for them.

IvyTheTerrible

Pythia wrote: »

I couldn't care less. Went in the other day to get my pill presciption renewed and doctor said my smear was due in a month and did I want it now. I said yep, pulled down my tights, got on the bed and she did it. A few seconds later it was over and that was that.

You have to get naked to get waxed or get a spray tan, as well as when you are with your partner so why is such a big deal?

My legs weren't properly shaved and I probably hadn't had a shower that day but the doctor probably sees far worse so I'm not going to worry about people judging me.

I am really amazed people think this is anything other than quick and easy. It is not a big deal, or an ordeal, you are psyching yourself up for no reason if you even think for a second it is.

I wouldn't worry about my legs being shaved or not for a medical exam, but surely it's just good manners to be clean when you visit the GP? I mean, you wouldn't go to the dentist without having brushed your teeth?

Pythia

IvyTheTerrible wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about my legs being shaved or not for a medical exam, but surely it's just good manners to be clean when you visit the GP? I mean, you wouldn't go to the dentist without having brushed your teeth?

I wasn't planning on getting a smear test, she just offered me one when I was there for a prescrition. I wasn't going to refuse and pay again to come back because I hadn't showered.

panda100

The nakedness doesnt bother me a bit.Its the invasivness of the procedure that makes me nervous.

Monife

Agree with the above poster.

While I haven't had a smear yet (or any type of gyno exam), the invasiveness is extremely offputting. Also a huge fear of it hurting.

Just slightly off-topic, but do you have to be 25 or over to get a smear test? I am 24 but have been sexually active since I was 20. I have only had 2 sexual partners (1 being my current one) so not much fear of an STD, just wondering if I should bother getting one before I turn 25.

Acoshla

I got one when I was 24, with a family planning clinic, you have to pay for it before 25, after that it's free, that's the only difference really. They say that the reason it's 25 is that before that your hormones can still be causing changes that may come back as abnormalities, but if you want to get one you can get. It doesn't feel very invasive, they're all professionals and good at putting you at ease, mine was over in 30 seconds and didn't hurt, just a bit of discomfort.