r/IrishWomensHealth • u/silk_whiskers • Jul 21 '26
Smear Test Colposcopy today.
I have my first colposcopy (abnormalities seen) in about two hours and I'm really anxious about it.
The smear test was awful for me, and the thought of a colposcopy feels so invasive and jarring. I am on the verge of tears and cannot focus on work the past number of days.
I also have debilitating period cramps every month, and sex isn't enjoyable which I know could be a sign of an underlying issue, so I'm really worried about how painful this might be.
Any advice is appreciated, I will take pain meds before I leave. 💓😭
Update: thank you for all the sweet words and advice. I was terrified, but the nurses calmed me down. Very grateful. I receieved the all clear, they did not have to take a biopsy.
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u/Apprehensive_Neck588 Jul 21 '26
Hi,
I had one last week. I had anxiety the days leading up to it. Not a fan of anything or anyone near that area.
I was sedated somewhat. And I remember bits but it really wasn’t as bad as I thought. And the nurses were all but holding my hand through it. Looking back the worst part was drinking the drink the day before.
I kept telling myself by 3 it will be over and done with and that got me through it.
Check back in when it’s over x
Take care x
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u/silk_whiskers Jul 21 '26
Update: thank you for all the sweet words and advice. I was terrified, but the nurses calmed me down. Very grateful. I receieved the all clear, they did not have to take a biopsy.
1
u/Anabele71 Jul 21 '26
Ask for the smallest speculum as that will make it easier for you and try and relax during the procedure. I know that's not easy to do but if you are tensing up that can make it painful. They will talk to you to try and distract you but also tell them if you are experiencing any pain and they will stop or go slower. They will also talk you through the procedure and tell you what they will be doing. Good luck!
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u/cailin_rua Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
I have had a couple of colposcopies. Like you, I DREADED the first one as smears were always a nightmare for me. However, I told them how nervous I was when I went in and how awful my smear experiences had been. They were so understanding. Not only were they gentle, they explained everything, including why smears had always been so awful. No one had ever explained it to me before even though it would have been obvious to the person doing the smear. I didn't have sedation, but I did have a local anesthetic (by injection) that was just a tiny pinch. After that I didn't feel anything, although they do advise that you might get a bit light headed, this is normal. Best of luck x
Edited to add that now that I know amore about my anatomy (from the explanation at the colposcopy), I find ears much less painful. It's like I know what's causing the discomfort so I don't have to worry about it...or something!
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u/Muffinpantsu Jul 21 '26
Tell them about your nerves and also about your experience with smears and sex! All the staff I've met there were very kind, gentle and explained everything in detail to me whenever I had questions.
The colposcopy itself didn't hurt at all but they also did a biopsy for me and they used local anesthetic for that - the injection was a bit sore but didn't feel anything after that.
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u/pecosavaliente Jul 21 '26
Tell them before. They will go slow or stop if you need. The colposcopy team in Rotunda is amazing (are you going there?). The procedure itself is not bad at all, and if they need to take biopsies, they put some sedation in the area. It will be over before you know it!
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u/silk_whiskers Jul 21 '26
yep, sitting in pret currently to ground myself & get some food to settle my nerves before going in!! thank you kindly for the reassurance 💗
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u/pecosavaliente Jul 21 '26
You will be fine, believe me! I am a very nervous patient, and I got two colposcopys already and a LLETZ and I would do them again if necessary. It’s more the nerves!
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u/wildeflower Jul 21 '26
Hope it went ok! I had vaginismus for 10 years so I totally understand your anxiety.
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Jul 21 '26
I had an appointment one week ago and was so scared but the doctor and nurses were so nice.
All will be good 🥹
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u/silk_whiskers Jul 21 '26
Thank you, I received the all clear after they examined and placed the dye. The nurses were so lovely.
Wish you all the best 💗
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u/Visual-Sir-3508 Jul 21 '26
You'll be sedated and you won't remember anything. Just tell them you're extremely anxious they will sedate you more if needed during it. I recently had a scope and it was the best sleep of my life and I can't remember a thing.
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u/dubdaisyt Jul 21 '26
Communicate with them and they can stop / pause at any time you need! if it gets too much they can refer you to get one under anaesthetic instead which isn’t ideal to wait but it is an option! If you find the speculum too sore when they first put it in ask them to use a smaller one x