Timing for smear

I tried to make an appointment for a smear, and was told that it had to be done about a week after my period.

I thought this was strange, as when I had smears done in the US, my appointments were whenever the doctor was available. Nobody ever said anything about having it done at a certain part of my cycle. I just didn't get it done when I had my period.

Is there a reason for having a smear at a certain time during the month? Is this normal procedure in the UK?

The ideal time for a smear test is just before you ovulate.  Don't think it's a hard and fast rule but it's usually less painful then.

This is standard in the UK, yes.


Vicky

Oddly enough I just went to my GP for one today and they turned me away 'cause it was too close to my period (would have been nice if they had told me this rule before they booked the bloody appointment.  )

This is worrying, I've been with my GP for 27 years and I just call up once I get my letter telling me it's time, I have never been told to book an appointment for a specific time.  The nurse was not gentle, she got very worried when I almost passed out!

Maybe it is time to change my GP!

I'd never have a smear at a GP.  I have done it at my FPC.


Vicky

vicky- if you don't mind answering- why do you go to the family planning clinic instead of your GP? 

Ive had a few smear tests here and not once did they mention my cycle.

I've never found it painful, regardless of the time. But I guess every patient and every doctor or nurse is different. Or do they do something different in the UK (besides not using stirrups, which I prefer anyway) that makes it more painful?  I can't imagine what they could do to someone during a smear that would make them almost pass out.

I am glad the person taking the appointment told me right away, before I'd given any information at all.

somwhat personal question- but at my one smear i've had done in the UK- there was no internal exam or a breast exam.  is that normal?  do you ever get an internal exam (you know the gloved hand, one on outside of stomach thing)

I had an internal exam separately, without a smear. But I had specifically made an appointment to get my fibroids checked. I guess a smear is done separately, and you have to make separate appointments for them.  My exam was done by a GP; I thought the smear gets done by a nurse.

vicky- if you don't mind answering- why do you go to the family planning clinic instead of your GP? 

I go to the FPC for contraception anyway, and I feel more comfortable dealing with a 'specialist' if you like...someone who is doing these things every day.  I find the people there friendly and sympathetic and I really don't like the idea of discussing my sexual history and having my bits poked about with by someone who might feel awkward about it themselves.

I actually never go to my GP...haven't been there since 1998! 

Vicky

I've never found it painful, regardless of the time. But I guess every patient and every doctor or nurse is different. Or do they do something different in the UK (besides not using stirrups, which I prefer anyway) that makes it more painful? I can't imagine what they could do to someone during a smear that would make them almost pass out.

I can't either, and I've had several cervical biopsies! (Which were really only slightly painful for a second, if it ever comes up and anyone is nervous.)

I always read the best time for a smear was the 6th day of your cycle-same as for a breast exam. But right before ovulation sounds like a good time to me.

Thanks. I was worried that they did the smear a different way in the UK that turned it into a form of torture 

Wouldn't having a smear on the 6th day of your cycle mean that there is a chance you would still be menstruating when you got the smear?  I thought the cycle starts on the first day of your menstrual period, and menstruating for 6 days wouldn't be very unusual.

I wish they'd call it a Pap test here. A smear sounds so...well, you get the idea.