Smear Test

I had a search but couldn't find a thread that fit this exactly.  How is a routine pap smear different here (NHS) than back in the US?  Or is it the same?


For reference I've had good experiences and bad in the US, so I do know it depends on the doctor, but I have pretty terrible white coat syndrome and want to prepare myself as fully before I make an appointment.  I should have one by the end of the year (as it will have been 3 years since my last one then) but I need several months to psych myself up for it.

It’s different.  But not necessarily bad different.

You’ll have it with a nurse.  They’ll have you undress from the waist down and lie on the bed-thing.  They’ll ask you to put your knees up (feet still on the bench), and allow your knees to drop to the side.  They’ll do their thing, and off you’ll go.  No stirrups.  No scooting down the table until your ass is half off, no shining light, no dig or feel of your ovaries, etc. (Good and bad).

The thing I find disappointing is they don’t check your breasts for lumps.

But you’ll be in and out in 5 minutes flat.

You might want to look into having it done at a well woman or sexual health clinic as an alternative to your local gp practice.

I had my last one at the gp surgery and the nurse was not as good (ouch!) as the one I saw at the well woman clinic the time before. They are likely to have more experience at the latter where they deal with that sort of thing all the time!

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/when-its-offered/

Thanks both, really good to know!!

I have a family history of breast cancer and do my own self exams so I probably would notice a lump wayyy before a doctor anyway.

Thanks both, really good to know!!

I have a family history of breast cancer and do my own self exams so I probably would notice a lump wayyy before a doctor anyway.

They may refer you for genetic testing to see if you have the gene.  Mention it to your GP!

You’ll have it with a nurse.  They’ll have you undress from the waist down and lie on the bed-thing.  They’ll ask you to put your knees up (feet still on the bench), and allow your knees to drop to the side.  They’ll do their thing, and off you’ll go.  No stirrups.  No scooting down the table until your ass is half off, no shining light, no dig or feel of your ovaries, etc. (Good and bad).

Yeap, this.  I think the nurse took my blood pressure last time too and asked about contraception.  We joked and it was easy peasy.

The GP did it too for a specific reason and it was the same experience, in/out (pardon the pun ), done. 

You can have a chaperone if you want too.

Thanks both, really good to know!!

I have a family history of breast cancer and do my own self exams so I probably would notice a lump wayyy before a doctor anyway.

They are REALLY good for women's health here. I have PTSD from doctors and both of my experiences have been excellent. They don't fob you off if you find anything remotely concerning and your GP can do a breast exam too.

I have been having severe cramps and near ER worthy bleeding for a while so they also sent me to the obgyn clinic, and they did an exam exactly as described by KFdancer and gave me meds to try first but agreed I'll probably need more. There are meds for painful/heavy periods here that are rarely prescribed in the US due to cost, and while it's not a long term solution for me cuz of my other conditions I'm shocked they actually work!

They may refer you for genetic testing to see if you have the gene.  Mention it to your GP!

I've done a lot of reading on this on the NHS website.  I think referrals are offered if needed, but they do point out that genetic testing for the gene is not always the best option for everyone.  They mention something to do with being anxious about getting a cancer you might never get, or something.

I'm undecided.  Until I decide I'm really good at checking though. Luckily it's just the one grandmother and none of her sisters or daughters had it (including my mom).

They are REALLY good for women's health here. I have PTSD from doctors and both of my experiences have been excellent. They don't fob you off if you find anything remotely concerning and your GP can do a breast exam too.

I have been having severe cramps and near ER worthy bleeding for a while so they also sent me to the obgyn clinic, and they did an exam exactly as described by KFdancer and gave me meds to try first but agreed I'll probably need more. There are meds for painful/heavy periods here that are rarely prescribed in the US due to cost, and while it's not a long term solution for me cuz of my other conditions I'm shocked they actually work!

I've been to the doctor for some issues with the lady bits and periods and the response that I've gotten has been amazing. I went to one doctor in the practice and I wasn't really a fan of her, so I asked to see a different doctor in the the same surgery and she is AMAZING. She has taken everything that I've said seriously and hasn't written off anything that I've said. I've been referred to a specialist based on tests and I've been very pleased with the level of service from all of the doctors and techs that I've seen.

I've done a lot of reading on this on the NHS website.  I think referrals are offered if needed, but they do point out that genetic testing for the gene is not always the best option for everyone.  They mention something to do with being anxious about getting a cancer you might never get, or something.

I'm undecided.  Until I decide I'm really good at checking though. Luckily it's just the one grandmother and none of her sisters or daughters had it (including my mom).

My midwife was surprised when I was pregnant with my first that I hadn't been tested.  My mom is the only woman in her family to NOT have had breast cancer.

However, since then my aunt (one of the ones who beat her breast cancer) has had the gene test and tested negative.  My mom has chosen to not be tested - as what do you then do with that information.  I get it.  If my kid's had a gene test for Coeliac, they would 100% test positive.  But it doesn't mean they'll develop Coeliac disease....