Well hello to you my reader chums! I recently turned 25 which meant receiving my cervical screening letter through the post. It may sound weird to say, but I've always been excited for the day to come, to get the test out of the way, and to feel like a proper adult in another sense.
Whether you're nearly 25 and feeling nervous about your smear test or don't know what to expect, here is my first smear test experience.
Booking the appointment
You should receive your letter to get your first smear test a few months before you turn 25, I received mine 3 months before my birthday. But, I found out from my nurse at the appointment that they've lowered the age of the smear test to 24 years and 6 months, which I didn't know before and worth noting, especially to those who want to try and go as early as possible.
The smear test experience
I didn't really think much about the appointment beforehand as I didn't want to work myself up in any way. I did feel a little apprehensive and anxious as I wasn't exactly sure what to expect and heard mixed stories beforehand. However, as the nurse welcomed me in, I felt instantly relieved. She had a friendly and calm approach to her which put my mind at ease before I even sat on the bed.
The nurse asked me a few medical questions and then for me to lie on the bed, removed my underwear, and separated my legs comfortably, ready for the examination. Her presence and reassuring tone helped as she explained the process of the smear. As she began the examination, I found it to be slightly uncomfortable as she was finding my cervix. But once she found it and took the sample, that took a matter of seconds and it was a lot quicker than I expected it to me. And, it didn't hurt at all.
I turned and asked the nurse 'is that it?' As I genuinely couldn't believe it was that quick. I thought it was going to take a lot longer and hurt a lot more than it actually did.
How I felt afterward
Instantly afterward, I had a slight pain, like a weak period pain which probably remained for about twenty minutes after, but it was barely noticeable. Other than that, I felt completely fine and normal and relieved I had it done. I walked away with a spring in my step, as the bit of anxiety I had about the examination had been relieved in every way.
How long till I get the results
My nurse ensured me I should get the results in 2 weeks but due to the pandemic, they'll probably be delayed and around 4 weeks instead. I was pretty surprised at this, as I thought it would take at least 12 weeks to get the results back. However, I received my results in under a week and I can happily say they were negative which was a huge relief.
Why it's so important to book yours in
I cannot stress enough how important it is to get your smear booked in. A smear test or cervical screening as it's known now is a test to test the health of your cervix. And, to see if you have any cells that can potentially turn cancerous. It's a preventative test in a sense to catch these cells early before they can potentially turn into something much worse. It's important as catching abnormal cells in the early stage means treating whatever you may have as quickly as possible before it can get worse. Look after yourself and if you do anything today, book in your smear. AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS TOO AS WELL.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you had your smear test before?
Thank you for reading <3
What a helpful post! I thought it was interesting that your country doesn’t start pap smears earlier. In Canada, we start doing pap smears earlier as cervical cancer is so treatable if caught early and not everyone takes the HPV vaccines. Thanks for sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I definitely think it should be earlier here but I'm glad it is in Canada xx
DeleteWhat a great post! I'm turning 25 this year too and will be booking one alongside an IUD check up as I have one in place. I'm glad that it went well and you felt comfortable! Thanks for sharing your experience, Della xx
ReplyDeleteLynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you lovely! Good luck with your smear xx
DeleteThis is such a valuable post, especially for anyone who may not know what to expect. I remember being so nervous at first but after the first one I realised it wasn't so bad. So good to hear you had a good experience with it and the slight pain didn't last too long.
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely xx
DeleteWhat a great post. I think it is so important to talk about and raise awareness of smear tests as so many ladies don't want to go and have them done. I had my first one at 18 (before they changed the age to 25) and they found abnormal cells on the first one which I needed a biopsy to remove. Now whether they would have resolved themselves by the time I was 25 or whether it was an early catch, I'll never know. However I was just glad they were spotted and dealt with early. The same happened to my sister as well but she was older so I highly recommend women get their smears regularly. It genuinely could save your life!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to get one early when you noticed a problem and that everything turned out okay. Thank you so much xx
DeleteGreat post Della! Your experience sounds very similar to my first experience. I was glad to get it done and it was totally fine! It's good to raise awareness to get it done.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I'm glad yours went okay too xx
DeleteThis was such a reassuring read! I don't turn 25 for another few years, but I will be straight there. I briefly worked for cancer council here in Aus and preventative measures are SO important xx
ReplyDeletemia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/
Thank you lovely! I'm glad to hear that x
DeleteWell done your for sharing this. I've had a few smear tests in my life, my first one years ago was a surprise so I had no time to mentally prepare. I do know that if you try to relax, it will be over quickly and far less painful. Easier said than done, I know.
ReplyDeleteRosie
Thank you so much! Yes I definitely agree, it's important to relax xx
DeleteIt's so important to raise awareness of smear tests and how important they are to have if you get invited to an appointment! x
ReplyDeleteLucy | www.lucymary.co.uk
It really is!!
DeleteI love it when people share their smear test experiences. It's so important as every one of these posts will encourage other women to get their test! I had a great first test experience (weird thing to say, I know haha!) and it's had a hugely positive impact on me since as I've had some abnormal cells and hospital appointments. But I think I wouldn't have coped with them nowhere near as well as I did had I had a bad experience in my first test x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! I'm really glad to hear that and I completely agree xx
DeleteMy first smear was horrible. So much so that when it came to getting my second, I rebooked it so many times to the point where they asked me if I was okay or was I avoiding them on purpose. It turns out that the second time was no issue compared to the first, and it was all in how the prvious nurse had rushed the procedure.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your first smear test but glad the second one was okay xx
DeleteI still need to go for mine but unfortunately it's not as easy as everyone makes out so I'm very anxious to get it done! 🙊 Xo
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the luck with yours, you've got this x
DeleteIt's great you're sharing this as it helps to destigmatize and demystify the whole process. I'd describe smear tests as uncomfortable but manageable -- thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! So glad yours was somewhat okay xx
DeleteGreat post! I'm personally a very long way off getting my first smear test but this was still so valuable and insightful, and I'm sure it will help people having their first one soon. Thanks for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much xx
DeleteI think it is great you shared your experience about it. Women should be aware of the importance of these kind of exams. In my country every woman should learn about all these exams and their importance all by helself. There is no official goverment policy about it and I was glad to hear about what happens there. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteGreat post! My first smear was fine but I've struggled since giving birth. I had one a few weeks ago and it wasn't pleasant at all.
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Thank you!! Oh my, I can imagine it's different after birth x
DeleteHi Della, I LOVE this post, such an honest post and really a topic young women need to be aware of. It's frustrating that the age is 25, but I am super happy about your negative results! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much lovely, that means a lot xx
DeleteGreat post. I remember when I first had mine done 2 years ago, I was completely nervous. But the nurse was so welcoming and it was done pretty quick. Didn’t feel pain or discomfort. Your first cervical screening may make you nervous but before you know it’s done and painfree. Thanks for sharing your experience
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad your first one went okay xx
DeleteYes! I love this post! I'm a couple of years off my first smear test but I used to work in a doctor's surgery and I learned just how important they are. Thank you for sharing this experience and encouraging others to look after themselves x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!
DeleteI remember being super nervous for my first smear test (I've had a couple now and the nerves are still there!) but it's so important to do these things and talk about the experiences too.
ReplyDeleteIt really is x
DeleteThis was such a great post and it's great that more women are sharing their experience with the smear test! I actually need to book mine, so I am glad to read positive experiences and glad that everything turned negative! x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!
DeleteWhat a lovely post for those who are worried or nervous about their first time. I love that you have included so much detail too. thanks for sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteSmear tests are so important, I've just had my second one, and honestly I feel like people really need to remember to book!
ReplyDeleteThey really are!
DeleteI have not had this test done before. Thank you for explaining the whole process, now I know what to expect when I book my appointment.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had my first smear test but I definitely need to book one. I have heard about how important smear tests are and I know for a fact I need to get one. Thank you for sharing your first smear test experience. At least I have a clue of what to expect at my first. x
ReplyDeleteI hope this helped!
DeleteSuch a great post. I know how nervous I felt the first time. And I've had friends put it off because of nerves and I encouraged them to do it and reminded them that they can share their fears etc. I had one recently, my first since having my daughter, and I was nervous. But the nurse was great and I was really impressed by how understanding they were.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I'm so glad your recent smear test went well x
DeleteGreat post! I am surprised that they recommend you wait until 25 there. I think I had my first one around 18 years old and have been doing it ever since. It's usually not so bad once you get the first one out of the way!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I know, I wish they would lower the age x
DeleteThanks for sharing this. I think it's so important we go for our smear tests. I've had two now, luckily everything has been okay so far. It's dificult to know what to expect when you first go in isn't it, my nurse at the fist appointment made me feel so reassured.
ReplyDeleteClaire.X
www.clairemac.co.uk
So true! I'm glad yours have gone well xx
DeleteI had my first one a couple of months ago. Good that you’re sharing this as there is nothing to worry about! It’s so important that people go for theirs!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your honest experience, Della! No matter how uncomfortable it might be, smear tests are so important and your post is very encouraging for anyone being hesitant or afraid! So happy for your negative results x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this post Della. I have recently turned 25 and just booked in my first smear test. I’m very nervous about it, but this has helped to put my mind at ease a little. Fingers crossed I’ll have a positive experience too.
ReplyDeleteEve
Thank you so much, I'm so glad it has helped a bit xx
DeleteThis is such a brilliant post Della! I'm about to turn 24, so it won't be long until I'll be booking my test, and this was so helpful to read :)
ReplyDeletehttps://www.femaleoriginal.com
I love that so many more people are sharing their experiences and showing that smear tests really aren't something to be feared.
ReplyDeleteSo cool! I would love to visit someday!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend,
S
Thank you for sharing, your experince I keep putting mine of as I'm to scared to go as I heard horror stories of ex-collegues that have had theirs, so maybe I will have the confidence to have one day
ReplyDeleteNic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes
This was such an important read for me! I have never really spoke to anyone about this or heard anyone else's experience so this made me feel comfortable.
ReplyDelete