Today I wanted to share something a little bit different with you all. I had my first cervical screening back in January which I was very nervous about. I understand that there may be some of you who are yet to have their first cervical screening out there. Like me, you may be nervous or unsure about what to expect. I hope this post gives you some advice and guidance about cervical screenings. Let’s get to it!
Why is getting a smear test important?
A cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is one of the best ways to protect you from cancer. It doesn’t test you for cancer, but rather it helps with preventing it. The test checks the health of your cervix and helps find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer. However, an article from the Guardian just over a year ago has shown that a record number of people are not going for their screenings. The NHS reports that around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year, but the NHS screening programme helps save around 5,000 lives each year. This shows how important getting a smear test is.
Before the appointment
The way you find out that you’re due for a smear test is by letter. It tells you that you are due and to ring up your local GP to book in. I was a little surprised to see a letter in all honesty. I thought that a smear test was only offered to those aged 25 and over. However, I discovered you can actually be invited 6 months before you turn 25 so do bear that in mind. Anyway, I phoned my GP and my appointment was all booked and ready to go.
The Appointment
On the day of my appointment, I was very nervous. I turned up, and thankfully didn’t have to wait too long in the waiting room. I was called in and my nurse was truly lovely. She made me feel at ease which I really appreciated.
She first asked me a few questions which mainly concerned my medication. I’m on the contraceptive pill, so she mainly asked if it was working for me and if I had any issues with it. She then explained in detail how the smear test is done. She asked me if I had any questions which I did, and she answered them with no issues. It was then time to proceed with the exam.
I had to take everything off lower half and lay on the bed with my legs spread. The nurse approached me and was ready to proceed. The cervical screening goes as follows:
A smooth tube-shaped tool called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina and used to open the walls of the vagina so that your cervix can be seen. A soft brush is then inserted through the speculum to your cervix. The brush will rotate a few times to collect the sample. The brush will then be washed in a specimen pot and the pot will be sent to a lab for testing. Remember you are in control and can stop the test whenever you want to. You can ask to lie in a different position or ask for a smaller speculum if the standard size is uncomfortable.
NHS
I can’t lie, I found mine to be very uncomfortable. The nurse that performed the screening was amazing though. She always asked how I was doing throughout the procedure and whether we needed to pause at any time. I didn’t though as I wanted to push through and get it over and done with.
It is common for there to be period like pain and tension in that area after the screening. I actually didn’t suffer with any of this which I’m grateful for. The nurse explained that I would receive a letter in the post confirming the results and thankfully all was okay.
Overall, my experience was fine. I was really nervous but my nurse was brilliant and it went smoothly which is always a good thing.
And that’s it! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this post and I will see you soon for another one.
Beth
Beth Olivia 