Are smear tests pain free?

80% Normal
14 Comments

There’s so much in the media about smear tests. I’m 25 and have had letters through, I really want to go but I’m a bit scared... I’ve never had sex so will that make it more painful for me? I’m also slightly embarrassed because they’ll probably ask... I know I need to go for one but I’m just worried it’ll be painful. Do I even need to have one if I haven’t had sex?
I have a boyfriend we just haven’t done anything yet...because I haven’t been ready... I wonder if I should have the test first

Voting Results
80% Normal
Based on 5 votes (4 yes)
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Comments ( 14 )
  • Chocobonobble
    5 years ago

    I would seriously recommend that you see a doctor if you don't find a satisfying answer here.

    But I did find this discussion online that maybe could help you: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/TwoXChromosomes/comments/6y7o97/pap_smears_hurt_so_bad_im_worried_about_sex/

    My ex girlfriend got one when she was 18 but the cervical screening/pap smear test age now is 25 in Australia. It hurt her a bit for her first one and she was not a virgin, but she was more relaxed and prepared mentally for the second one 2 years later and got through it alright.

    Goodluck and wish you the best in health.

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  • SwickDinging
    5 years ago

    I would describe it as uncomfortable, but not actually painful.

    Just grin and bear it because if you actually have cancer then avoiding a smear test will be the end of your life. And yes, you can have cervical cancer even if you're a virgin.

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  • paramore93
    5 years ago

    I had my first one two weeks ago, it was more uncomfortable than anything. It took under a minute to do.
    The nurse explained everything and answered all my questions first. Also they see vaginas every day, they've seen it all before if that's a worry.

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  • charli.m
    5 years ago

    I thought it was awkward but it didn't hurt. Try to relax, let your doctor know you haven't been sexually active yet, its your first test and you're nervous. They come across this daily.

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  • [Old Memory]
    5 years ago

    I avoid doctors and anything that could prolong my life tbh. So I couldn’t help you.

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    • leggs91200
      5 years ago

      I am not about to lecture but I would like to ask why you avoid it? I just wonder if it is for the same reasons i tend to avoid mostly, the main reason being I feel like they mass-diagnose everyone with the same things anyways (COPD and/or diabetes)

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      • [Old Memory]
        5 years ago

        Every time I went for a check up, it’d cost and arm and a leg and 20/10 times nothing is wrong and nothing new devolped. Even the dermatologist, oh my god all she did was look at my arm for five seconds and say “yeah nothing to worry about, that’s just a spot of skin where your body darkened to protect a scar” or something like that. Naxt thing we know— “Oh that’s 500 dollars” for five seconds.

        Plus, I don’t even plan to make it to 50. 48 even, it’s just wouldn’t be ideal for me to live long.

        I also agree with you, I’ve met a couple people with weird medical histories and they’ve always been diagnosed incorrectly. It’s all about money for a lot of doctors.

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        • leggs91200
          5 years ago

          Not planning to make it to even 48... I do not know your life situation but check this - I didn't think I would make it to even age 44.

          I often joke that I want to be doctor because they get six figures a year to keep people waiting then say, "Well, there's nothing I can really do" then give them the latest fad medication.

          Speaking of dark spot on skin - I have one on my leg where it was this black knot about the size of a nickel. They cut it off, sent it out to be tested, came back benign or whatever "safe" state. I was glad for it to be gone but now there is this stupid dark brown scar there. Like damn.

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          • [Old Memory]
            5 years ago

            I mean, I could get cleaned up if ya asked me...But i can only get so fancy.

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  • leggs91200
    5 years ago

    I am no doctor so this is speculation but i would imagine you would likely be safe holding off for a bit since you are so young.
    I am not saying wait this long but usually stupid stuff doesn't start happening til at least 40.

    Also, I am transgender so I don't have a "genetic female" parts but my ex wife described a pap test like this - "They put ice cold salad tong looking things up your snapper to open it and cram in a long Q-tip".
    Must be wonderful to have a vagina.

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    • Chocobonobble
      5 years ago

      The recommended age for cervical screening/pap smears is 25 to 74 (used to be 18 to 69) in Australia. I'm an Aussie but I checked America cancer.org website and they recommend age 21 to 29 to start the test.
      In 2018 between the ages of 20-24 1.7 per 100,000 female got cervical cancer in Australia. Ages between 25-29 is 9.9 per 100,000 and ages between 40 to 44 is 11.4 per 100,000.

      Also they call the thing you're describing as "cold salad tongs" a speculum. And they do have the option of warming them up for comfort when used to open up the female's vaginal walls.

      I know you're not a doctor I just want to correct the starting age, you don't have to care about this reply, I just leave it here for anyone who wants to know the age and stats. Cancer is a serious thing and being in medical studies as part of my joint degree it's a habit of mine to inform people about general dangers in health and such.

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      • leggs91200
        5 years ago

        To hear my ex talk about the speculum, I thought maybe it was stored in liquid nitrogen until just before use.

        You know it is kind of crazy thinking of all the things that can go wrong with the human body.

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        • Chocobonobble
          5 years ago

          She probably got the metal ones for her cervical screening test. But I do think those do have the option of being warmed up before use (depending on the medical prationeer). There's also plastic disposable ones which are gaining popularity last I heard about them, much easier to match the body heat when inserted and not as cold, also very sterile; just use it once then dispose it.
          I think they come in bags then package in a big boxes and the metal ones are stored in trays and washed and sterilized, but then again depends on the medical department and place of practist. I'm just going of my first year studies.

          Yes that is true cancer is one of those big ones unfortunately, but it's astonishing what the human body is cable of as well, like creating life, self healing with some ailments, genetics in general and etc.

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  • [Old Memory]
    5 years ago

    Have sex with ya boyfriend.

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