What to Expect if You're Having Your First Smear Test
A smear test. It's a just a fact of life for a woman who is over the age of 24, and it will be until your mid-60s. A smear test is also called a cervical screening test and it's done in order to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. It will almost always be carried out by a female medical professional, either a doctor or a nurse, and it's commonly performed at your GP practice.
You might be wondering, if you've never had a smear test before, what a smear test actually looks for, together with why it's so important to have one done as soon as you're able. A smear test is done as a way of detecting abnormal cells in the cervix. These abnormal cells are caused by human papillomavirus, otherwise called HPV.
HPV is a very common virus with the potential to mutate cells that exist on the cervix. Most of the time, if HPV is detected, it goes away on its own. Although for some people, it can stick around. But what you might be thinking is "what's the fuss if HPV is common and will, nine times out of ten, go away by itself?" and that would be a good question.
The issue with HPV is that it's that virus that can cause cells to become cancerous, thus resulting in cervical cancer. Don't be alarmed, however, if your test does come back positive for HPV. It doesn't mean that you have cervical cancer and it doesn't mean that you have any cancerous cells present on the cervix. It just means that the virus is present and so you'll be monitored more closely.
Instead of going back to the GP in three years time for your next smear, you'll go back in one year and be tested again. If you have an HPV-positive result for three years in a row, then you'll be sent to the hospital for further investigation. This is where a specialist will look more closely at your cervix, more meticulously than is done at a routine smear test.
If they're happy, then you'll be sent away and asked to come back in three years time, as normal. If they aren't happy, then that's when they'll tell you what steps to take next. Again, even if they aren't happy and want to take further swabs, it doesn't mean that you have cervical cancer. It just means that they're concerned that the HPV has gone far enough to mutate the cervical cells.
You should see a smear test as a really cautious and effective way of catching instances of cervical cancer before it even turns into cervical cancer. This is why it's so important to attend your smear tests when you're called.
However, if it's your first time, you're probably more worried about the procedure and what happens during the smear itself. It's a daunting experience, purely because of where the cervix is. How do they get there, for a start? Let me tell you what you can expect from your first smear test.
How to prepare for your smear test
There are some things you can do beforehand to prepare you for your smear test, whether it's your first one or not. Something I like to do is wear a skirt. It helps to protect at least some of my modesty, even in the winter. I will wear tights, slip them off and then put them back on again afterwards.
It also makes me feel more comfortable as my tummy isn't restricted in anyway. In some cases, a smear test can cause your tummy to ache afterwards. The only way I can describe it as like a period pain. Take some paracetamol before your appointment so that they can work in good time before the test. If you have any other concerns, make sure you contact your GP for help.
Does it hurt to have a smear test?
A smear test should never be painful. It will be uncomfortable, however. I have touched on the fact that you could have some tummy ache afterwards, and it's not uncommon for there to be some slight spotting afterwards either. You can, however, stop the smear test at any time if you're experiencing any pain.
If you're anxious about experiencing pain during your smear test, discuss your concerns with the healthcare professional who is doing it. This way, they can make provisions for you to make sure you're as comfortable as you can be during the smear test.
What happens during a smear test?
The test itself will involve a few small steps. Firstly, you'll be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down, including your knickers. You will then be told to lie on the medical bed with your legs bent, knees up and with your feet together. A plastic speculum will them be inserted into the vaginal opening and it will then be widened to reveal the cervix at the end.
The doctor or nurse will then get a swab and they will lightly scratch the surface of your cervix so that enough cells can be taken to run an HPV test on. As soon as the cells have been collected, the test is over and the speculum will be removed as quickly as possible. You will then be asked to pop your clothes back on and you can then go home.
When will I get the results of my smear test?
You will receive the results of your smear test via post within two working weeks. If HPV is not detected, you'll be advised to go back for another one in three years time. If they have found HPV, then you'll be asked back in one year for another smear test. If you're concerned about the results, then make sure you talk to your healthcare professional or local GP for some added peace of mind.
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I hope you found this blog post somewhat useful, especially if you're feeling a little apprehensive about having your first ever smear test done. If you would like some tips for attending your first smear test, then take a look at this blog post for more information. Leave some comments below if you have any advice for first timers having their smear test done and I will see you again very soon with some brand new content!
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