Cervical screening support needed

Phoenix__Rising2018 · 2020-08-12T19:32:16+00:00

Yeah that's what it feels like. Especially the first time.

I just deal with it by getting myself some sort of a treat and then trying to forget about it.

Ms_Tilly · 2020-08-12T19:39:34+00:00

I hate them so much. I am so past due for one. I've even had a couple colposcopies and that's even worse. Then I was pregnant and had all these cervix complications and uggh you just never get used to that shit but pap smears are so important. And just because you get a bad result once doesn't mean it will keep happening. The cervix can clear abnormal cells (dysplasia) on its own most of the time.

throwawayaway388 · 2020-08-12T19:58:45+00:00

It's perfectly normal to feel this way and I've felt the same. It's an invasive procedure, and while the person is a professional, they're still a stranger and it's a personal experience. I'd like to echo what another user wrote and make sure you treat yourself afterwards. It might help to also do something before one of these appointments to help you relax (meditation, a steamy shower, a funny show) that might make the process a little smoother. Pamper yourself before and after. :)

h_witko · 2020-08-12T20:14:24+00:00

[deleted]

elementalvirago · 2020-08-12T20:18:06+00:00

This tends to be a very humbling and off putting experience for sure. It might help to think of that as just another part of your body, like you're getting your arm looked at. Honestly that's how the medical staff sees it. I'm not trying to trivialize or minimize your experience, but instead putting it in a clinical category.

I second the other ladies when they say it's something that will probably become easier over time. Find a doctor that does their best to make you feel at ease and establish a care routine with them so they don't always feel like a stranger.

gutsandgorey · 2020-08-12T20:45:40+00:00

It helps to remember that they view the situation as completely medical. There is no judgement or discomfort on their end- they see thousands of vaginas/cervixs a year and yours won't stand out at all.

But I can relate to physical discomfort. I HATE speculums lol

ModernDayOracle · 2020-08-13T10:47:48+00:00

Oh, they suck. I like to hype myself up by telling myself what a badass I am for looking after my health even though it's shitty and uncomfortable and stressful and sometimes triggering. It's my body and I will take care of it!

Davina33 · 2020-08-12T22:04:40+00:00

I can relate. I'm a survivor of rape and I find it so hard. I got a reminder in the post a week ago for the next one. I really wish they would come up with something which would no longer mean smear tests are necessary. They aren't pleasant at all but I have gone to them. I really feel for you.

SeaNegotiation8 · 2020-08-12T22:10:23+00:00

For me, the worst part of the cervical exam is the speculum placement. Even if the OB/GYN is super gentle and considerate, the experience of having a device shoved inside to crank me open while I’m in such an utterly vulnerable position is terrifying. I really wish there was a protocol to offer patients a light dose of Xanax beforehand so it wouldn’t be so panic-inducing.

I’ve had to do forensic exams on my patients before, and I feel so terrible putting them through the same procedure after they’ve been assaulted.

I’m glad you treated yourself afterward! I definitely need a fat glass of wine after every Pap smear.

jeanneeebeanneee · 2020-08-12T23:21:51+00:00

It's ok to have complicated feelings/emotions about these procedures. It's an uncomfortable (but necessary) part of life, and many people have history of trauma that makes it even more difficult. It helps me to think of it as self-care. It is very important to your long-term health to have these screenings done. If it's very difficult for you, it can also help to speak to a therapist or other mental health pro to get to the root of the issue, as well as learn some strategies to help you stay calm and cope. (Or, in severe cases, you can be prescribed medication for anxiety that can be very helpful also.) Be well sis. 🌻

Cytrinex · 2020-08-13T00:32:21+00:00

Your feelings are yours and are completely valid :) idk if it would help, but something the good nurses I've come across will do is talk you through literally every little thing they are doing in the moment. You should be able to bring a friend too if you don't want to be yourself next time. Make sure to be kind to yourself for the rest of the day 💖

theawkwardalli · 2020-08-13T11:00:12+00:00

I had a little meltdown the last time I had a Pap smear. Literally cried on the table and the doctor felt so bad! She really tried to help but as someone who’s encountered sexual assault/attempted rape, it can be really hard to separate these feelings. Right there with you, girl!

FDSxMuffinVSrat · 2020-08-12T22:01:08+00:00

Yeah it feels super awkward you're not alone. It's like going to the dentist - someone poking and prodding areas that you rarely let people touch, and they are literally evaluating how things are, and even though it's for own health it dies still feel invasive. But of course it's even more foreign for paps.

You're not prudish, you're private. That's entirely your choice. However it's good that for your own health you've gotten taken care of 👍

LizardInFirst · 2020-08-13T00:05:21+00:00

It’s a good idea to have them, and it might possibly save your life - but, like any elective screening procedure, it is NOT compulsory. Bearing that in mind might be helpful.

woiashenseea · 2020-08-12T21:27:52+00:00

Look up "medical trauma." Don't ignore this feeling. Im really sorry by the way. Exam rooms are not mentally healthy environments and our minds already know that there are threats there - your instinct picked something up. Could just be the authoritarian nature of healthcare? Or something totally different. Please don't let anyone tell you to ignore these feelings and blindly trust hospital staff

Title	Cervical screening support needed
Author	h_witko
Upvotes	31
Comments	33
Date	August 12, 2020 6:40 PM UTC (5 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/FemaleDatingStrategy
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/FemaleDatingStrategy/comments/i8jeiv/cervical_screening_support_needed/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/FemaleDatingStrategy/cervical-screening-support-needed.54825 https://theredarchive.com/post/54825

Comments