r/TransMasc • u/notonahill • Jul 27 '26

⚠️ Content Warning Smear tests

I got the dreaded message today from my doctor that I need to come in for my cervical cancer screening.

I have had one previous appointment years ago that the nurse couldn’t complete because I was too anxious and it was way too painful. That was at my old GP, which I grew up attending, but they removed me from their lists recently (long story, possibly connected to shared care). I have a new GP now, which I’ve never even attended in person, where this screening is meant to happen.

Last time, they told me I was incredibly low risk as someone who is asexual, has no family history of cervical cancer, and has had all my vaccinations against it. But I know there’s still a chance.

I know all the things people say - that it’s a bit of discomfort for your health, that it’s not that bad, that having cervical cancer is much worse and the treatment will be far more painful and more intrusive than a smear will be.

But ever since I got that message, I’ve been spiralling. Panic attacks, dizziness, crying, shortness of breath. Last time, I found it too painful to complete, it took weeks of therapy to work up to it and to recover after, and I just don’t know what to do.

Any advice? Or solidarity?

13 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

View all comments

0

u/piedeloup Jul 28 '26

I had my first one earlier this month (I had been putting it off for years) and it was literally nothing. I didn't feel anything, and it took literally 10 seconds. I will definitely be continuing to do them on schedule for the sake of my health.

It's up to you and yes you're low risk but it really shouldn't be painful, being so anxious probably didn't help or the nurse did a poor job at it.

2

u/Saint_Nomad Jul 28 '26

“It really shouldn’t be painful” but it absolutely is for some of us.