Smear Test

Just try to stay calm and relaxed. Your normally aloud go take a friend or relative with you, or you could ask for another nurse to be there and hold your hand! I've had a smear test every year for 4 years, have my 5th next week and honestly they arnt as bad as you think. Good luck!x

I’ve had quite a few smear tests in recent years and I’d say they get easier once you’re used to them as it’s not so much the unknown.
My advice is not to think too much into it until you are there. Most of the time what you are fearing doesn’t turn out to be as bad as you think on the day xxx

Focus on breathing, they’ll usually tell you when to breathe in and out. I was so worried about my first one, and I was surprised at how well I did with it! Just stay calm and it’ll be over before you know it x

Focus on one spot on the wall or read one of the posters over and over again so it focuses your brain, breath in through nose and out through mouth and try to relax. They are usually really quick, it’ll probably take you longer to take off your pants and put them back on than the examination takes. You’ve got this! x

I’m a nurse and a smear taker - you can ask for a longer appointment due to anxiety, go to the appointment, discuss your concerns and ask for the smallest speculum, there are “virgin” speculums that I’ve had some success with before in a similar situation. Although they may not always be able to visualise with that and may need to step up to a small but it helps starting smaller. It sounds crazy but relaxing makes it a lot easier and if you can’t manage then please do not be put off! The cervix can be easier to visualise at different times in your cycle so what may be harder one day could be easier another!

P.s the expectation is always worse than the procedure - “is that it” is a common response for ladies having their first smear! You got this 😊