I had my first ever smear 6 months ago and I wasn’t nervous for the smear at all because I knew from talking to my mum and sister it was fairly quick and painless to have done. However my results showed I had a HPV positive result and I had some borderline changes in the cells in my cervix. So I would need a colposcopy, now that frightened me as I stupidly googled what other people’s experiences were and every post I read was super negative and I kept seeing ‘cancer’ everywhere. However I went for it and ended up having a biopsy, everything was quick and painless again (slightly uncomfortable) and after Christmas I was told that my cervix showed only a low grade abnormality to the level of CIN1 and I would need another smear in 12 months. Moral of the story is having a smear isn’t bad it’s protecting you by detecting any potential abnormal cells and a colposcopy and biopsy helps to prevent any further issues. Ignoring something out of fear will only make it that much more frightening.
I am 23 so too young for a smear test yet but I have made a deal with myself, that no matter how embarrassing its, I am going to go to every single one
It’s wild to me that the UK waits until you are 25. I’m in CA, USA and am now 30 yrs old, and I started having Pap Smear’s as soon as I became sexually active (around 15 yrs old)
Yeah I’m from CT in the US and I started going to the Gyno when I turned 20, and I get one every year! Interesting how different things are country to country!
The US guidelines have upped the age to 21 in the years since my first, which was at 19. It’s mind boggling that it’s recommended to also go every 3 years instead of every year! I personally find it pretty uncomfortable but it’s so important and is just a few minutes of potential discomfort.
@@cathlohrentz Yeah, in Germany it`s the same... once ur sexually active u go and get the test done at leeeast once a year! Probably because it`s handled so differently here, tbh I don`t really get why it seems to be such a big deal in the UK :-X. So please people, get checked (if u have the chance to) - it`s really not that big of a deal and those few unpleasant minutes are definitely worth it to make sure ur okay!! :)
I’m in the UK and agree it should be a lot younger to prevent a lot more tragedies, I just posted my story tonight so nervous but has to be done there can never be enough awareness out there and especially for young girls xxx
Had my smear test 6 months before I turn 25 and it came back that I had abnormal cells. I was obviously very scared as during COVID I had to go on my own but it came back fine but I need to go every year for a smear! I'm so glad I didn't put it off and went. I've urged all my friends who were putting it off to go and I'm so glad they did!
Thankyou so much for your story. I found out after having my first baby on my first smear test that I had cin 3. I defo advice having a day to rest after I bled very badly I then had to have yearly smears for 10 years. I have just recently had another smear this is the first one after waiting longer than three years so I’m a little worried as Iv been having a few little changes through the month. Please ladies get your smears I be honest I don’t like them tho everyone is different I find breathing techniques really help me settle while having them done xxx
I had another smear test recently and this one was pretty awful, the speculum was quite painful and apparently I have a tilted cervix, and it took a lot longer than last time to find the cervix and take a swab...but then it was over! So although you're totally entitled to complain if it's uncomfortable, it's so so important to go and I'll continue to go, even though it's not fun at all
I posted my Smear story on my channel tonight, such a nerve wracking thing to do but SO important! So important to get awareness out there and also scares me how little younger girls know so it’s also about educating them before those letters come through the post, so there’s nothing to fear. I’m so glad I had everything done I feel extremely grateful 🤍 Thankyou for your stories too xxx
They didn't have to check you again for three years? Here they tell you to come back after 6 months, then after a year, and then start coming every year. And also to get vaccinated before you have sex again after the procedure so you don't just go ahead and get infected again.
I had my first smear done last year (absolute breeze) and sadly also had to have a colposcopy and biopsies and treatment done alone due to covid. Please please get your smears done, don’t risk not having it, and if going for a colposcopy and needing biopsies take a pad! I made that mistake 😂
I just turned 26 and had my first ever smear last year. I had the exact same results as you and had the LLETZ procedure in September. I was told I’d have to be tested again in 6 months time so it’s due any time now. I’m surprised you didn’t have another for 3 years!? My periods are so irregular so I’m really worried something serious is wrong but getting a doctors appointment now is difficult! Thank you for sharing your experience lovely x
The differences in the health care systems among the countries - even in Europe - never stops to amaze me. In Greece we HAVE to take a PAP test (which includes both smear and colposcopy) for the first time after we first had sex. No matter the age. Even in 18. If we haven't had sex by the age of 25 then we start doing a PAP every year no matter what. Also the HPV Vaccine is a mandatory vaccine in our system. Ps. Love that kind of content. Lots of love! Stay healthy! I know you go through a rough patch now in the UK.
It´s interesting to hear about different countries! But is it really true, that ALL have to take it at age 25? I mean...nuns, for example,... would they be forced to take it?
@@tapel6407 Well they don't force us lol, But all doctors, friends, relatives etc will nag about it if you dont. That includes the nuns, it's a heath thing, vaginal issues don't only stem from intercourse.
Thank you so much for sharing you story! It's so important that people know the consequences of missing these appointments. It could very well save your life to go to a smear test. IT worries me a bit that in so many countries the window between the tests are so long. I live in Argentina and we do both smear tests and colposcopies every year. When you go back in, they ask you when was your last visit and if you missed one the doctors get really pressed about it. Also to get a smear test you just go to nay gynecologist and ask them to make one, it's reccomended starting on 16 and up but for sure after you turn 18.
I'm 23 and I had a smear test already because of my period beaing on for 2 months and counting. I'm waiting on my doctor to call, but I read my results online and think it said abnormal. This video helps a lot.
Thanks for sharing your story💖 i got my first smear aged 20 (back when the age was 20 in scotland, it’s 25 now) and the young nurse struggled for some reason (probably not her fault?), it was painful and she couldn’t manage to do it so i had to go back the next week for a GP to do it- this was sore again but she got a swab and results came back fine - despite all this i would 100% not hesitate to get another one, it’s so important and i probably had one of the worst experiences and yet it really wasn’t that bad honestly (and very uncommon!) I’m turning 25 this year so i assume i’ll be offered another one and i’m more than happy to do it
I had my first smear towards the end of last year and the nurse knew it was my first one and went through everything with me and showed me all of the equipment before we even started! Thankfully came back clear but I’d always encourage people to get theirs done! ❤️
I had my second smear and they found low grade adnormal cells and hpv I’m absolutely freaking out I got go hospital on the 28th which needs hurry up as I’m absolutely stressing,,. But two of my mates have had really severe cells and they all recovered so I just thinking positive that there is always a treatment xx
I have to say my first time was pretty painful, but my nurse and doctor were great. I didn't have anyone to go with me, so the nurse let me hold her hand. But I still cried. It was over in a minute or two, but it hurt. I now have to get up the courage to go again.
I barely felt a thing in my smear test but I know my friend found it really painful but she knows that the pain of that is far better than the pain of going through cervical cancer... and I believe that’s how you need to think of it 💕
ALSO I was so worried about it being embarrassing but it wasn’t even mildly embarrassing... the nurse literally spoke to me like an old friend and was chatting away to me as though she wasn’t sat there with a metal funnel in my vag 😂 I’ve heard most nurses are lovely who do it 💕
I was 13 the first time I had to go and be put on birth control. I wasnt sexually active until 17 but i had cramps so bad i would almost pass out. So i got on birth control to help with the cramps. I went to a male doctor but he was nice i still wasnt completely comfortable until i started seing a female doctor and she actually delivered both of my babies. Wonderful lady and doctor.
Thank you for addressing such an important issue! I’m waiting for a colposcopy appointment and this has helped out me at ease a little. My smear came back normal but I have been bleeding after sex between periods so something is amiss. It’s so important to go for your smear tests or deal with any other sexual health issues 💕
I have (luckily) always found them to be very quick and professional appointments. I always find it useful to promise myself a little treat for afterwards to reward myself for going ie takeaway or something 😊
Hey I had mine yesterday and just posted a video about it on my TH-cam channel too! I was someone who was very scared and very emotional! But I managed it, it was a big deal for me. It’s honestly so worth it and it’s over so fast! X
Such a great video, Katie! As I'm under 25, I've never been offered one but, as part of my treatment for endometriosis/pain in my ovaries, I've had 3 and am so glad I did! Thanks so much for sharing your story and raising awareness - Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is an amazing charity xx
I have endometriosis, I'm 26 so have only had one smear but ive probably had over 30 speculum examinations in my lifetime. For me, it's incredibly uncomfortable. I am on high dosages of prescription pain killers day to day anyway so prior to my smear I made sure I dosed up on those. I also have medical related PTSD so anything medical is really triggering for me, my GP was happy to prescribe diazepam to ease the panic which I also took prior to my smear. I have a tilted womb and a tilted cervix so have to have the really long speculum for them to visualise my cervix. It's not a pleasant experience but it's not the worst thing in the world. Of you're particularly nervous or know you suffer with pain down there speak to the nurses and doctors beforehand, they are more than happy to advise and assist you in feeling more comfortable. Luckily my results were all normal xx
Mine have always been fairly uncomfortable (bordering on slightly painful) and I always bleed loads. So it's not fun, but I would never skip one as it's worth it to protect my health! I found out it's uncomfortable because I have a tilted cervix, and I bleed a lot because I have cervical ectropion. I mention this here as it might give answers to anyone who has had a similar issue during a smear test! Also worth noting that not all womb-owners are female (gender inclusive language is always appreciated 😊) xx
I had the same thing, but here in Lithuania they do a surgery to remove all the cells, so you are not awake. There is a special dye that allows to locate the abnornal cells and doctor can remove them all while you're asleep, that makes the procedure more effective as doctors can take their time. After that I had 4 tests every 3 months and after that I have one very year. Also, the test for cervix cancer is not taken with a cotton bud, but with a metal brush, but is is not painful (to take more cells). Regular smear tests (for bacteria etc) is taken with a cotton bud.
I just got my first letter this week and I'm kind of dreading it because I get extremely squeamish over things like this. My plan is to blast music on my phone and sing along as loud as I can to distract myself!
Don’t be afraid to ask for a female doctor if you get booked in to have a colposcopy. I didn’t read my letter properly and just assumed it would be a female doctor and it wasn’t ... however I didn’t feel uncomfortable as the doctor was really nice and the female nurse I had was brilliant at talking to me to distract me!!
I have good Paps but i have a big ectopy which stays there for years and gets worse so my doctor decided it is time to treat it. I have to get an ablation procedure on my cervix and they will do it under anesthesia because i have endometriosis and a small vagina, i usually faint because of pain during simple pap smears. My Vagina literally rips when the speculum is inserted. But cases like mine are not so often. All of my friends have no pain during Pap smears. Some of them even had ablation without anesthesia and it was not painful. Sometimes i feel so judgrd because i am different.
To me its strange how much "fuss" there is about smear tests in Britain, according to videos on youtube :D I am from the Czech republic and I am having a smear test done every year since I started going to the gynaecologist at about 15, although I lost virginity at 23. Here it is just a routine test and noone sees it as a "I am a real woman now". Interesting :)
Granted this is done slightly differently in Poland, I had a smear test sort of ad-hoc at a routine gynaecologist appointment to get my pills when I was around 18 - my doctor asked if I wanted one since I was already there, took maybe 5-10 minutes and the only uncomfortable thing was that the speculum was very cold haha Somehow getting my letter now that I'm in the UK and it's done with a random nurse I have never met seems more intimidating?
I had my first smear last year and they initially cancelled my appointment & said they would contact me to rearrange. They never did so I contacted them in the end. (Personally due to my own issues it was a difficult experience but I never wouldn’t go) I’m now seeing women online (in England) saying their GPS are cancelling or delaying their smears “due to covid”. I don’t know if this is happening a lot but I’m worried. I had to reach out a second time to my gp so if you have to keep asking just do it. These should still be happening.
I just want to say that it’s only in England that you get your letter at 25 for the smear test. I don’t know about Ireland and Wales but in Scotland it’s much younger cannot remember the exact age but I think it’s between 20 and 22. I honestly think it should be younger because my nurse told me if you’re having sex it’s recommended that you go and let’s face it people are going to be having sex much earlier than 25.
Actually my bad I just asked my dad as he works on a project with cervical screening. In Scotland it used to be you got invited at 20 and you went every three years but recently they’ve changed it to 25 which I think is madness I don’t know why they’ve done it it doesn’t seem smart but okay
I fall into the group of 2.7% of women who have had changes to the cell linings (CIN) without having HPV. Due to the changes to screening since 2019, my cells now won’t be monitored as I test negative for HPV and I’m now only tested every three years. I get that it’s a national programme but it feels like they’re going to fail those 2.7% of women, I don’t understand why they won’t separately undertake cytology reviews for those who they know have historically had CIN without HPV.
@@sadiyamahmood1482 my first was at 25 when I was given a result of CIN1 with no HPV. I’ve also had tests at 28 and 31 which only tested for HPV for which I remain negative. My next test will be when I am 34. If I had tested positive for HPV I would have been screened every year and my CIN1 investigated. As it stands, I don’t know whether I still have CIN1 or whether it’s improved or declined.
Thank you maam for your time I test for cin 1 and now give it for hpv test but I can't wait for the result as they told to. Wait for one week.. I am. Getting into depression I don't know what to do.. On google everything is so negative
I unfortunately had a bad, painful experience during my first (and only) smear test 10 years ago. It put me off ever going back. However, I’ve only ever had one sexual partner (my husband) and I’ve read that the risk is greatly reduced, the less partners you have (70% of cervical cancer is from the HPV virus transmitted from a partner). I’d be interested to know if the HPV vaccinations that all school girls have have had any impact on the figures.
I was in the first year of girls to receive the HPV vaccine and recently had my first smear test which came back abnormal and required to go for a colposcopy. From my understanding there are lots of strains of HPV and the vaccine protects against the most common ones - but not all
Yes there are many strains of HPV not covered by the vaccine and your cells can become cancerous for other reasons so I would highly recommended getting a PAP smear. Tell your doctors your concerns upfront and they should work with you to make the experience more comfortable this time around.
I’ve had one sexual partner, been with the same man since I was 15 ( now 28) and I have just had an abnormal smear test result come back. Please get it done! X
Hi Diane, please get a test. Virgins can get hpv through deep kissing and men are silent carriers of the disease and cannot be tested for it. So (God forbid) your husband had it for decades and passed it onto you. The procedure is not any worse than inserting a tampon, it’s just a few minutes of discomfort for a life time of feeling at ease.
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
I had my first ever smear 6 months ago and I wasn’t nervous for the smear at all because I knew from talking to my mum and sister it was fairly quick and painless to have done. However my results showed I had a HPV positive result and I had some borderline changes in the cells in my cervix. So I would need a colposcopy, now that frightened me as I stupidly googled what other people’s experiences were and every post I read was super negative and I kept seeing ‘cancer’ everywhere. However I went for it and ended up having a biopsy, everything was quick and painless again (slightly uncomfortable) and after Christmas I was told that my cervix showed only a low grade abnormality to the level of CIN1 and I would need another smear in 12 months. Moral of the story is having a smear isn’t bad it’s protecting you by detecting any potential abnormal cells and a colposcopy and biopsy helps to prevent any further issues. Ignoring something out of fear will only make it that much more frightening.
At which age you went there for hpv test?? And will they have high rish hpv Or what please tell I am very worried about it
How are you doing now? Did you clear the virus?
I am 23 so too young for a smear test yet but I have made a deal with myself, that no matter how embarrassing its, I am going to go to every single one
I had my first one yesterday and honestly it’s not awkward at all and my nurse was so lovely that I didn’t really feel embarrassed xx
You're the cool older sister I needed! My mom is so prudish about going to the gynecologist, so I really needed that thanks♥
It’s wild to me that the UK waits until you are 25. I’m in CA, USA and am now 30 yrs old, and I started having Pap Smear’s as soon as I became sexually active (around 15 yrs old)
Yeah I’m from CT in the US and I started going to the Gyno when I turned 20, and I get one every year! Interesting how different things are country to country!
The US guidelines have upped the age to 21 in the years since my first, which was at 19. It’s mind boggling that it’s recommended to also go every 3 years instead of every year! I personally find it pretty uncomfortable but it’s so important and is just a few minutes of potential discomfort.
In South Africa the general rule is once you’re sexually active, and then every year after that. It blows my mind that the UK is so chilled about it 😳
@@cathlohrentz Yeah, in Germany it`s the same... once ur sexually active u go and get the test done at leeeast once a year! Probably because it`s handled so differently here, tbh I don`t really get why it seems to be such a big deal in the UK :-X. So please people, get checked (if u have the chance to) - it`s really not that big of a deal and those few unpleasant minutes are definitely worth it to make sure ur okay!! :)
I’m in the UK and agree it should be a lot younger to prevent a lot more tragedies, I just posted my story tonight so nervous but has to be done there can never be enough awareness out there and especially for young girls xxx
Shocking! In Germany we can get a free smear test every 6 months, starting as a teenager!
Thank you so much for telling your story! So important
Wow, that´s interesting! Do you know if most teens use this opportunity?
Had my smear test 6 months before I turn 25 and it came back that I had abnormal cells. I was obviously very scared as during COVID I had to go on my own but it came back fine but I need to go every year for a smear! I'm so glad I didn't put it off and went. I've urged all my friends who were putting it off to go and I'm so glad they did!
This is exactly my situation now, still waiting for colposcopy appointment and terrified of biopsy
I've always really liked and respected you for making this a topic on your channel! It's such an important thing to talk about and promote! x
Thankyou so much for your story. I found out after having my first baby on my first smear test that I had cin 3. I defo advice having a day to rest after I bled very badly I then had to have yearly smears for 10 years. I have just recently had another smear this is the first one after waiting longer than three years so I’m a little worried as Iv been having a few little changes through the month. Please ladies get your smears I be honest I don’t like them tho everyone is different I find breathing techniques really help me settle while having them done xxx
I had another smear test recently and this one was pretty awful, the speculum was quite painful and apparently I have a tilted cervix, and it took a lot longer than last time to find the cervix and take a swab...but then it was over! So although you're totally entitled to complain if it's uncomfortable, it's so so important to go and I'll continue to go, even though it's not fun at all
I posted my Smear story on my channel tonight, such a nerve wracking thing to do but SO important! So important to get awareness out there and also scares me how little younger girls know so it’s also about educating them before those letters come through the post, so there’s nothing to fear. I’m so glad I had everything done I feel extremely grateful 🤍 Thankyou for your stories too xxx
They didn't have to check you again for three years? Here they tell you to come back after 6 months, then after a year, and then start coming every year. And also to get vaccinated before you have sex again after the procedure so you don't just go ahead and get infected again.
I had my first smear done last year (absolute breeze) and sadly also had to have a colposcopy and biopsies and treatment done alone due to covid. Please please get your smears done, don’t risk not having it, and if going for a colposcopy and needing biopsies take a pad! I made that mistake 😂
I had exactly the same, go get a smear ladies ❤️
At which age you went and did they do your hpv test please tell me I have some questions
I just turned 26 and had my first ever smear last year. I had the exact same results as you and had the LLETZ procedure in September. I was told I’d have to be tested again in 6 months time so it’s due any time now. I’m surprised you didn’t have another for 3 years!? My periods are so irregular so I’m really worried something serious is wrong but getting a doctors appointment now is difficult! Thank you for sharing your experience lovely x
The differences in the health care systems among the countries - even in Europe - never stops to amaze me. In Greece we HAVE to take a PAP test (which includes both smear and colposcopy) for the first time after we first had sex. No matter the age. Even in 18. If we haven't had sex by the age of 25 then we start doing a PAP every year no matter what. Also the HPV Vaccine is a mandatory vaccine in our system.
Ps. Love that kind of content. Lots of love! Stay healthy! I know you go through a rough patch now in the UK.
It´s interesting to hear about different countries! But is it really true, that ALL have to take it at age 25? I mean...nuns, for example,... would they be forced to take it?
@@tapel6407 Well they don't force us lol, But all doctors, friends, relatives etc will nag about it if you dont. That includes the nuns, it's a heath thing, vaginal issues don't only stem from intercourse.
@@dimitrabir.4177OK, so it is still your own choice in the end but it is strongly recommended. That makes sense.
Thank you so much for sharing you story! It's so important that people know the consequences of missing these appointments. It could very well save your life to go to a smear test.
IT worries me a bit that in so many countries the window between the tests are so long. I live in Argentina and we do both smear tests and colposcopies every year. When you go back in, they ask you when was your last visit and if you missed one the doctors get really pressed about it. Also to get a smear test you just go to nay gynecologist and ask them to make one, it's reccomended starting on 16 and up but for sure after you turn 18.
I'm 23 and I had a smear test already because of my period beaing on for 2 months and counting. I'm waiting on my doctor to call, but I read my results online and think it said abnormal. This video helps a lot.
Thanks for sharing your story💖 i got my first smear aged 20 (back when the age was 20 in scotland, it’s 25 now) and the young nurse struggled for some reason (probably not her fault?), it was painful and she couldn’t manage to do it so i had to go back the next week for a GP to do it- this was sore again but she got a swab and results came back fine - despite all this i would 100% not hesitate to get another one, it’s so important and i probably had one of the worst experiences and yet it really wasn’t that bad honestly (and very uncommon!) I’m turning 25 this year so i assume i’ll be offered another one and i’m more than happy to do it
I´m sorry to hear your story. Did they explain for you why it was painful and hard to take it for them?
Cancer runs in my family so this is essential for me to do.
I had my first smear towards the end of last year and the nurse knew it was my first one and went through everything with me and showed me all of the equipment before we even started! Thankfully came back clear but I’d always encourage people to get theirs done! ❤️
@herpesgoddess6746 nah I’m good thanks
I had my second smear and they found low grade adnormal cells and hpv I’m absolutely freaking out I got go hospital on the 28th which needs hurry up as I’m absolutely stressing,,. But two of my mates have had really severe cells and they all recovered so I just thinking positive that there is always a treatment xx
U have any medication?
I have to say my first time was pretty painful, but my nurse and doctor were great. I didn't have anyone to go with me, so the nurse let me hold her hand. But I still cried. It was over in a minute or two, but it hurt. I now have to get up the courage to go again.
I barely felt a thing in my smear test but I know my friend found it really painful but she knows that the pain of that is far better than the pain of going through cervical cancer... and I believe that’s how you need to think of it 💕
ALSO I was so worried about it being embarrassing but it wasn’t even mildly embarrassing... the nurse literally spoke to me like an old friend and was chatting away to me as though she wasn’t sat there with a metal funnel in my vag 😂 I’ve heard most nurses are lovely who do it 💕
in denmark it is when you come 23 years old and i am going today
I was 13 the first time I had to go and be put on birth control. I wasnt sexually active until 17 but i had cramps so bad i would almost pass out. So i got on birth control to help with the cramps. I went to a male doctor but he was nice i still wasnt completely comfortable until i started seing a female doctor and she actually delivered both of my babies. Wonderful lady and doctor.
Thank you for addressing such an important issue! I’m waiting for a colposcopy appointment and this has helped out me at ease a little. My smear came back normal but I have been bleeding after sex between periods so something is amiss. It’s so important to go for your smear tests or deal with any other sexual health issues 💕
last year i had to go for lletz treatment to remove abnormal cells. i had cin2.
I have (luckily) always found them to be very quick and professional appointments. I always find it useful to promise myself a little treat for afterwards to reward myself for going ie takeaway or something 😊
Thanks for sharing this. I still haven't been and I'm 25. I've just been so afraid but this makes me want to go now.. x
Hey I had mine yesterday and just posted a video about it on my TH-cam channel too! I was someone who was very scared and very emotional! But I managed it, it was a big deal for me. It’s honestly so worth it and it’s over so fast! X
Very interesting and important video! Thans for sharing!
Love you are sharing your story. Videos like this gave me confidence when I went to get mine done.
Your hair looks lovely in this video btw!
Thanks for sharing! Such an important thing to speak about!
Such a great video, Katie! As I'm under 25, I've never been offered one but, as part of my treatment for endometriosis/pain in my ovaries, I've had 3 and am so glad I did! Thanks so much for sharing your story and raising awareness - Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is an amazing charity xx
I have endometriosis, I'm 26 so have only had one smear but ive probably had over 30 speculum examinations in my lifetime. For me, it's incredibly uncomfortable. I am on high dosages of prescription pain killers day to day anyway so prior to my smear I made sure I dosed up on those. I also have medical related PTSD so anything medical is really triggering for me, my GP was happy to prescribe diazepam to ease the panic which I also took prior to my smear. I have a tilted womb and a tilted cervix so have to have the really long speculum for them to visualise my cervix. It's not a pleasant experience but it's not the worst thing in the world. Of you're particularly nervous or know you suffer with pain down there speak to the nurses and doctors beforehand, they are more than happy to advise and assist you in feeling more comfortable. Luckily my results were all normal xx
This was such a great video, such a good job!
I’ve had 5 tests now, I’m 35. Have not felt any pain at any, just a little discomfort for like 20s max. Usually in and out within 5 mins
I would love to have got mine at an earlier stage - I am only 24, so probably will be called for mine soon and I will definitely be going for mine.
Just out of interest… your biopsy came back as CIN3, but what was the dyskaryosis grade on your smear result? I’m wondering if it was the same x
How are you doing now ? Any update?
Thanks for sharing 💜
Mine have always been fairly uncomfortable (bordering on slightly painful) and I always bleed loads. So it's not fun, but I would never skip one as it's worth it to protect my health! I found out it's uncomfortable because I have a tilted cervix, and I bleed a lot because I have cervical ectropion. I mention this here as it might give answers to anyone who has had a similar issue during a smear test! Also worth noting that not all womb-owners are female (gender inclusive language is always appreciated 😊) xx
I had the same thing, but here in Lithuania they do a surgery to remove all the cells, so you are not awake. There is a special dye that allows to locate the abnornal cells and doctor can remove them all while you're asleep, that makes the procedure more effective as doctors can take their time. After that I had 4 tests every 3 months and after that I have one very year. Also, the test for cervix cancer is not taken with a cotton bud, but with a metal brush, but is is not painful (to take more cells). Regular smear tests (for bacteria etc) is taken with a cotton bud.
That´s interesting! At what age do you start to take the test in Lithuania?
@@tapel6407 it's from age 26 typically, my first was 23
@@mk9531 Is that also the time for the first gyn visit for those who haven´t had any specific problems before?
I just got my first letter this week and I'm kind of dreading it because I get extremely squeamish over things like this. My plan is to blast music on my phone and sing along as loud as I can to distract myself!
Lol take deep breaths. You want to be as relaxed as possible. Just breathe and focus on relaxing in every exhale
Don’t be afraid to ask for a female doctor if you get booked in to have a colposcopy. I didn’t read my letter properly and just assumed it would be a female doctor and it wasn’t ... however I didn’t feel uncomfortable as the doctor was really nice and the female nurse I had was brilliant at talking to me to distract me!!
I have good Paps but i have a big ectopy which stays there for years and gets worse so my doctor decided it is time to treat it. I have to get an ablation procedure on my cervix and they will do it under anesthesia because i have endometriosis and a small vagina, i usually faint because of pain during simple pap smears. My Vagina literally rips when the speculum is inserted. But cases like mine are not so often. All of my friends have no pain during Pap smears. Some of them even had ablation without anesthesia and it was not painful. Sometimes i feel so judgrd because i am different.
To me its strange how much "fuss" there is about smear tests in Britain, according to videos on youtube :D I am from the Czech republic and I am having a smear test done every year since I started going to the gynaecologist at about 15, although I lost virginity at 23. Here it is just a routine test and noone sees it as a "I am a real woman now". Interesting :)
It´s interesting to hear about different countries! Is it like rule, in Czechia, that girls go already as teens even if they are not sexually active?
Granted this is done slightly differently in Poland, I had a smear test sort of ad-hoc at a routine gynaecologist appointment to get my pills when I was around 18 - my doctor asked if I wanted one since I was already there, took maybe 5-10 minutes and the only uncomfortable thing was that the speculum was very cold haha
Somehow getting my letter now that I'm in the UK and it's done with a random nurse I have never met seems more intimidating?
It´s interesting to hear about different countries! Do all girls go at that age, or is it just if they have a special reason?
Did they do. Hpv test I am. Very worried and depressed
When u do the pap test they can also tell u if u have hpv thx
I had my first smear last year and they initially cancelled my appointment & said they would contact me to rearrange. They never did so I contacted them in the end.
(Personally due to my own issues it was a difficult experience but I never wouldn’t go)
I’m now seeing women online (in England) saying their GPS are cancelling or delaying their smears “due to covid”. I don’t know if this is happening a lot but I’m worried. I had to reach out a second time to my gp so if you have to keep asking just do it. These should still be happening.
I just want to say that it’s only in England that you get your letter at 25 for the smear test. I don’t know about Ireland and Wales but in Scotland it’s much younger cannot remember the exact age but I think it’s between 20 and 22. I honestly think it should be younger because my nurse told me if you’re having sex it’s recommended that you go and let’s face it people are going to be having sex much earlier than 25.
Actually my bad I just asked my dad as he works on a project with cervical screening. In Scotland it used to be you got invited at 20 and you went every three years but recently they’ve changed it to 25 which I think is madness I don’t know why they’ve done it it doesn’t seem smart but okay
I fall into the group of 2.7% of women who have had changes to the cell linings (CIN) without having HPV. Due to the changes to screening since 2019, my cells now won’t be monitored as I test negative for HPV and I’m now only tested every three years.
I get that it’s a national programme but it feels like they’re going to fail those 2.7% of women, I don’t understand why they won’t separately undertake cytology reviews for those who they know have historically had CIN without HPV.
At which age you have your hpv test
@@sadiyamahmood1482 my first was at 25 when I was given a result of CIN1 with no HPV. I’ve also had tests at 28 and 31 which only tested for HPV for which I remain negative. My next test will be when I am 34. If I had tested positive for HPV I would have been screened every year and my CIN1 investigated. As it stands, I don’t know whether I still have CIN1 or whether it’s improved or declined.
Thank you maam for your time I test for cin 1 and now give it for hpv test but I can't wait for the result as they told to. Wait for one week.. I am. Getting into depression I don't know what to do.. On google everything is so negative
@kayles
I unfortunately had a bad, painful experience during my first (and only) smear test 10 years ago. It put me off ever going back.
However, I’ve only ever had one sexual partner (my husband) and I’ve read that the risk is greatly reduced, the less partners you have (70% of cervical cancer is from the HPV virus transmitted from a partner).
I’d be interested to know if the HPV vaccinations that all school girls have have had any impact on the figures.
I was in the first year of girls to receive the HPV vaccine and recently had my first smear test which came back abnormal and required to go for a colposcopy. From my understanding there are lots of strains of HPV and the vaccine protects against the most common ones - but not all
Yes there are many strains of HPV not covered by the vaccine and your cells can become cancerous for other reasons so I would highly recommended getting a PAP smear. Tell your doctors your concerns upfront and they should work with you to make the experience more comfortable this time around.
I’ve had one sexual partner, been with the same man since I was 15 ( now 28) and I have just had an abnormal smear test result come back.
Please get it done! X
Hi Diane, please get a test. Virgins can get hpv through deep kissing and men are silent carriers of the disease and cannot be tested for it. So (God forbid) your husband had it for decades and passed it onto you. The procedure is not any worse than inserting a tampon, it’s just a few minutes of discomfort for a life time of feeling at ease.