Smears

Smears, like me I'm sure its something you do not like having done. Maybe even fear or dread going. I think to be honest that most women do not like having it done but for different reasons to anybody suffering Vulva or Pelvic pain.

I put off having a smear for some time after my last surgery as I was worried about the pain it would give me. I am glad to report that after reading the Vulva Pain Society’s ‘Smears without tears guide’ I plucked up the courage to call and book into have one done. Check out this link and have a read. http://vulvalpainsociety.org/index.php?page=smears-without-tears. 

When I booked the appointment, I asked the receptionist if she could make a note that I had requested a smaller speculum because of Vulva pain and Endometriois. That way there would definitely be one when I arrived for the smear and the nurse would be aware why I had requested this. It was a much better experience than I was expecting. The nurse was kind and took it slowly, the speculum she used was made out of plastic and much smaller than the normal one. Not the metal contraption I remember.

So a big thanks to the Vulva Pain Society and the lovely girls that put the leaflet together! It’s well worth a read for both Vulva pain and Endometriosis patients, especially if like me, you have pouch of Douglas involvement.

I was glad I went for a smear when I did. I had an abnormal bleed one of the following months and one of the first questions the Consultant asked me, “Are you up to date with your smear?”. At least I then didn't have to go and have one done and wait and fret about the results. It was good to sigh with relief.