Smear Test

andreoilin

Hi lovelies

I'm due to have my first smear test and I'm extremely anxious about it.

Anyone had one done in Dublin city/7/9 that could recommend a nice female doctor that will make the whole thing a little less daunting?

rainbow kirby

The female doctor in the Temple Bar Medical Centre is really nice and really put me at ease when I went for one there about 5 years ago.

chuckles30

The thought of it is a lot worse than the actual experience. Try and relax...but completely understand that you're anxious as it's your first one.

sullivlo

andreoilin wrote: »

Hi lovelies

I'm due to have my first smear test and I'm extremely anxious about it.

Anyone had one done in Dublin city/7/9 that could recommend a nice female doctor that will make the whole thing a little less daunting?

Check out the cervical check website for a list of registered practices that do them oh the screening program.

Most practices, in my experience and in the experience of my friends, have the nurses perform the smears, however you can request a doctor. But also in my experience, nurses are a bit more experienced in doing them so it's a bit more streamlined.

They'll have you at ease either way - they'll go through the procedure with you and give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have. Then they'll give you some privacy to undress, and give you a piece of towel to protect your modesty. (It always makes me laugh that they give you privacy - they're going to see it all anyway!!). Then she'll talk you through everything that is going on - the speculum, the exam, the swab. She'll ask you to position yourself in a way that gives optimum view of your cervix - usually heels at your bum and knees apart, with your fists under your bum. She'll turn on the lamp, insert the speculum and take the swab. You're free to stop at any stage, and free to mention if anything is sore/uncomfortable. But in my experience, the more relaxed you are the easier it is. Think my last one was over within 5 minutes.

One thing I learned: wear a skirt/dress, without tights/leggings if possible. Then you only need to take off your underwear as you can hitch up the skirt.

And make sure that you haven't had sex the night before as that can impact the quality of the test and result in requiring more tests. Happened to a friend of mine more times than she cares to admit.

If it's a case that you're more anxious than just the usual "someone is going to look up my skirt" nerves, it might be no harm to discuss it with your GP so that they can discuss options with you.

Oh and make sure to book for mid cycle - you don't want period goo messing up your test.

Good luck!

meeeeh

I think they make it more painful for anyone who calls others lovelies.

As far as I know they will book it around 10 days after the start of your period (I'm not sure exact number but it's around that). The procedure in my case takes about 30 seconds plus filling in the forms. Good nurse will make small talk with you and you will barely notice the whole thing. I think it can be more painful for some but most will be grand.

miamee

The Well Woman Centre have a calculator on their website to work out what date you should be tested, just pop in the date you got your last period and they'll give you the window of when is suitable to be tested: http://wellwomancentre.ie/health-matters/cervical-smear-tests/

Also I was there for other issues a few months ago and found them great, both the doctor and the nurse.

LegacyUser

I really rate Charter Medical in Smithfield. I had a medical there recently and the nurse did the smear test.

I've had a lot of smear tests over the years and I hated it. This was the first time it wasn't painful for me. I've cried at them, had to ask the doc to stop, put off getting one for 2 years. (It shouldn't be painful, I have a tilted cervix).

I mentioned it to the nurse after that I was so surprised it was ok, because usually I've had to get a script for relaxants. Anyway she just mentioned that her role is literally taking smear tests every day, so she's extremely experienced in what she does.

I would definitely recommend going to somewhere that has a dedicated/specific person for smears/pelvic exams, the difference for me was unreal.

chickenlicken2

I really rate Charter Medical in Smithfield. I had a medical there recently and the nurse did the smear test.

I've had a lot of smear tests over the years and I hated it. This was the first time it wasn't painful for me. I've cried at them, had to ask the doc to stop, put off getting one for 2 years. (It shouldn't be painful, I have a tilted cervix).

I mentioned it to the nurse after that I was so surprised it was ok, because usually I've had to get a script for relaxants. Anyway she just mentioned that her role is literally taking smear tests every day, so she's extremely experienced in what she does.

I would definitely recommend going to somewhere that has a dedicated/specific person for smears/pelvic exams, the difference for me was unreal.

deadlydreads

Hi, rarely post on boards but I just had a smear on Monday after putting it off for ages! I got it done in the Irish family planning clinic on cathal brugha st and the nurse couldn't have been nicer or quicker. I normally clench and over think it but she was in and out in no time.
It's normal to be anxious, it's not the most pleasant thing, but I'm sure if they know it's your first time they will explain everything to you. It's Dublin city centre so should be easy to get to and as another poster said if you go to a clinic that deals with female health, they'll be doing these daily and will be quick!
Hope that helped. Best of luck.

DoozerT6

Ask the nurse/doctor to use the smallest sized speculum, if you're nervous you might be a little 'clenched' down there, so the smallest one will get the job done with the least discomfort.

andreoilin

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm booked into the Well Woman Centre! Cannot wait until it's over.