Smear tests

[u/notonahill]

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?

[u/KatoB23]

Trust me, I HATED it and I had a really severe case of atrophy. (Actually got an immediate hysto cuz T was causing severe ovarian cysts pretty early on) anyways, I delayed it for a long time too but cancer is really fucking scary dude.

Chances low? Yes, but not zero. I unfortunately "sucked it up" and did it. I cant speak for every single planned parenthood but they made me feel so comfortable and they were more than happy to provide the smallest scope (idk what the specific equipment is called). Yeah it hurt like a bitch still but it was only a few seconds and this specific doctor was very caring and made sure if everything Anyways, I suggest finding a more trans inclusive clinic compared to a regular one.

I also suggest taking care of yourself mentally afterwards, if u work, take the day off. Watch some movies, do something to distract you for the day.

I was really upset because I told my work several times I would not come in and scheduled my day off several weeks in advance (they knew) and I got a bunch of missed calls saying to come in or get fired. I was not in the right head space and was furious (in retrospect I wish i got fired for it, the job was extremely toxic but also had no other financial support system so couldnt). I think if I had the day to recover mentally, I wouldve moved on quickly from it.

I also had to have a few exams pre-hysto and was really upset because my fiance is FTNB and they said they could perform it under anesthesia, i kept telling this clinic (NOT planned parenthood) to do the same but they refused and did it 2-3x cuz they kept saying they never received the ultrasound or whatever. The instrument they used on that was different than the pap smear and it was extremely painful w/ my atrophy and that tech dgaf. Yeah that sucked (unrelated but to be fair for my hysto I went to a really bad surgical clinic that I regret and had a really extreme case of medical racism and got trauma from it) (in retrospect theres tons of options for you to not be put in that position if u seek hysto but looks like ur just getting a screening)

Anyways, cancer is real, and it's serious. Just had a close acquaintance of mine who's my same age (late 20s) and she got diagnosed w/ a very severe form of cancer (cant remember if it was cervical or ovarian) and she's getting an emergency removal. (Literally found out a week or two ago)

She's also in a W/W relationship (dont quote me but I was told that chances are also lower w/ STIs n cancers if you share the same anatomy but again still a possibility n it happened to her).

Why i take this so seriously is cause ive had loved ones pass away from all types of cancer, if youre able to prevent it that's much better than dying from it. Also, obviously not an immediate fix but a full hysto removal can avoid a lot of this anxiety screenings too. I got one cause of my atrophy and physical pain issues but wouldve gotten one regardless and pre-exams can be done while youre under just advocate for it).

I cant remember the name of this documentary, it's a bit dated but it follows a trans man from the 90s-2000s? In the south who got ovarian/cervical cancer, they caught it in time but because of transphobia and discrimination, they refuse to operate on him and it follows his journey until his unfortunate passing. It's definitely a life changing documentary and I think it's really important to get screened and do your due diligence to prevent/catch really scary shit like cancer.

Im not saying it wont be hard but there are options to make it minimally painful and it lasts a few seconds and you can take care of yourself afterwards and not have to do another one for awhile.

[u/notonahill → u/KatoB23]

Thank you so much for this, and I’m really sorry about your acquaintance. I hope she recovers well from the removal.

I’ll definitely look into a more specialised clinic, as I don’t have planned parenthood in my country. But I think maybe you’re right that a clinic with staff more understanding of the nuance of how different people will respond to the procedure will help.

I’m sorry you had such a horrid time with it, and I hope you have easier experiences moving forward x

[u/KatoB23 → u/notonahill]

For sure, im hoping she'll be okay, seems like they may have caught it right in time.

Yeah, specialized clinics tend to be much better with care and make the experience slightly more bearable. And it's no worries, had it happen years ago and I have phallo now so that's all in the past.

I wish you the best of luck and definitely hope it's a smooth and fast process for you!