Your Smear test is quite literally 5 minutes of your life (every few years) that matter.
It’s definitely something that a lot of us ladies dread, or at least - don’t exactly look forward to. But it must be said girls, when your letter comes through the door (usually after you turn 25), it's better to get your big girl pants on and face it. Tossing that letter in the bin and allowing it to be a niggle in the back of your mind, whilst you ignore it year after year, is definitely not the answer.
(If that’s you… don't you go clicking off this blog in angst! Please, keep reading…)
It’s important that you know, you’re not alone.
We’re pretty confident when we say that - there’s a whole heap of us out there that fear the smear.
The Smear Test is definitely one of those things that is sprung upon us when we least expect it, and when we read the words ‘Cervical Screening’ - a little shiver runs down our spines and we truly learn how to do your pelvic floors (argh!)
But, what we need to remind ourselves of is, every woman goes through this!
We’re quite literally all in it together, and although you may walk in and out of the nurses room alone (though in the UK, you can take someone with you!), there are quite literally millions of women that have walked in before, and after you.
Phew! Sigh of relief.
So let’s let that smear anxiety out in one breath, and bring that strength and positivity in with another. It’s going to be ok! * Trust us. You’ve got this.
We’re here to answer some of those questions you don’t quite know how to ask, and budge away some of the unknowns that are forcing you to feel like avoiding it.
It may be a bit pants, but it could, quite literally, save your life!
Kicking off with some sciency stats - just to get you thinking… ‘Ok, I hear you Lounge, this is important (damn)!’
- Cervical Cancer is the most common form of cancer in women under 35.
- Attending your smear tests can prevent up to 75% of instances. (WOW!)
- 9/10 women receive a normal result. (that’s 90% of us!!)
- 99.8% of Cervical Cancer cases in the UK are preventable.
If that doesn’t make you want to ring the doctors and get booked up,
then hopefully the below will give you the extra nudge that you need…
Answering your unanswered questions:
What does my Smear Test actually involve?
So, the nurse is taking a sample of your cells from the outside of your cervix to detect any abnormalities.
You’ll be asked to take your Lounge undies off, lay down on a bed, usually behind a curtain, and then - the dreaded bit - bend your knees up and open your legs.
It sounds intrusive we know! The last thing you want to do is show your bits to a stranger, but there’s no need to be embarrassed.
We’ve all got bits, and you’ve definitely got nothing they won’t have seen before.
Once you’re lying back chilling on the comfy bed with your eyes shut - you can drift off into dreamland, and not open them again until it’s all over.
The nurse will basically use an instrument called a speculum to open the walls of your vagina and allow her to do what she’s got to do… she’ll then use a small brush to gently take some cells from your cervix and then remove the speculum and tell you it’s all over.
It usually takes about 5 minutes, and then you can skip out of the room and go buy yourself something delicious to eat.
You deserve it.
Is a Smear always done by a female nurse?
Not always - but you can request a female nurse when booking your appointment.
We totally get this - we’ll definitely be doing the same.
This way, you know the nurse has had the same test herself, and can try to relax and feel as comfortable as possible..
Does it hurt?
Now, you know we’re all about comfort, right!? Well - this is probably one of the only things that we recommend you to do, that may cause a little bit of discomfort. But - it should not be overly ‘painful’ or hurt you.
It is, of course, different for all of us. After all, we’re all different women.
Some of us have better experiences than others, but the secret for the quickest and most comfortable experience would be to relax your mind and your body and try to leave your anxiety at the door.
If you’re feeling uptight, so is your body.
What you want to be doing is, telling your mind and your body how easy this is going to be… and before you know it, it’ll be over and you can quit worrying about it for a little while. You did it!
I’ve booked my appointment, but I’m on my period.
Can I still go for my screening test?
You can still go and get it done. Being on your period will make absolutely no difference to getting your test done - however if you feel a little uncomfortable you could for sure call up and change your appointment.
That’s nothing to worry about.
When will I get my results, and what happens
if my results are abnormal?
Usually around 14 days after your test you’ll get your results.
14 days to forget about it - not worry about it.
If you get abnormal results - don't panic, that does not mean you have cervical cancer, or that you will get cancer in the future… it just means that you have some abnormal cells that will need further testing.
Many tests can be reported as abnormal even though no abnormality exists on further examinations - but it's just a signifier that some additional examinations need to take place, and your nurse/doctor will be there to reassure you.
We hope so much that this clears up some of your worries and encourages you to book that appointment (when your letter comes through).
Listen up, girls. Don't fear the smear.
Overdue? Upcoming?
Make sure you're there!
Plus, if you want to hear more… right from the Loungers mouth, we asked some of the girls at HQ about their experience!
Check out what they had to say by clicking here. And believe us, it’ll totally put you at ease!