TTC & cervical smear tests?

[Hayleykins05]

Hey ladies

So I've just got a letter through for my first cervical smear test (I turn 25 in 3 weeks). I know that the smear itself isnt the most pleasant experience. I've read up on the test itself and I know the ins and outs of what they do and how. I'm just wondering how this will affect TTC? Obviously I've never had this done before and I'm worried that it could mess things up for me. Any advice? (Obviously whatever the outcome I will be getting my smear done) x

 

[Khigg19]

I haven't thought about that. I would mention your concerns to your gyn before the smear is administered. If you're worried, try to schedule the appointment after your period, but before ovulation/possible implantation.

 

[mrshan]

Huh. In the States, I think we start getting PAP smears earlier. I've always heard that it's recommended at 18 or whenever we become sexually active, whichever comes first. I wouldn't think that it would cause any problems because they just use a speculum, check around, and swipe a few cells from your cervix with a swab. Sometimes they dab some chemical (seems like it might be vinegar if I'm remembering right), because I think precancerous cells turn white.

But Khigg has good suggestions about timing your appointment if possible. Also, you should avoid sex the day before your appointment, from what I've always been told.

 

[Hayleykins05]

Huh. In the States, I think we start getting PAP smears earlier. I've always heard that it's recommended at 18 or whenever we become sexually active, whichever comes first. I wouldn't think that it would cause any problems because they just use a speculum, check around, and swipe a few cells from your cervix with a swab. Sometimes they dab some chemical (seems like it might be vinegar if I'm remembering right), because I think precancerous cells turn white.

But Khigg has good suggestions about timing your appointment if possible. Also, you should avoid sex the day before your appointment, from what I've always been told.

In the UK they don't start testing you till you're 25. It's very controversial atm. I've never had one before so I was just a but worried about it but it's good to know it's not going to affect TTC as much as I thought x

 

[BeachyFeelin]

Wow, I'm glad you explain that you are in the UK, because my first reaction was how unbelievable it was that you've never had a PAP Smear before!! I had my first one when I was 16 before I started on birth control. In the US we used to have to get them once a year, but now they've changed that to once every 3 years (which I think is kind of ridiculous).

This won't affect TTC one bit. But it is a good opportunity to talk to your Dr. about starting TTC.

 

[Hayleykins05]

Wow, I'm glad you explain that you are in the UK, because my first reaction was how unbelievable it was that you've never had a PAP Smear before!! I had my first one when I was 16 before I started on birth control. In the US we used to have to get them once a year, but now they've changed that to once every 3 years (which I think is kind of ridiculous).

This won't affect TTC one bit. But it is a good opportunity to talk to your Dr. about starting TTC.

In the UK they don't start testing until you're 25 and then you get tested every three years thereafter. There's been a lot of controversy in the last few years about the age in which they start the smear tests, there's legislation hopefully going through to reduce the age to 18. Which in my view still isn't low enough! It's pretty ridiculous!

I was going to talk with my doctor about TTC as we've been trying for a while now and not getting any results x

 

[Khigg19]

It's so funny because my first one was also as teen for birth control. I wasn't sexually active and the whole experience was a little mortifying for me at that age. But now, in the US, I believe they upped the age to 21 and every 3 years if your previous paps are normal. Kind of seems a little risky, IMO, but as someone who's insurance didn't cover them, paying $250 every 3 years is way better than every year.

It'll be fine though. It shouldn't be painful, but maybe a little discomfort. The drs will walk you through the whole process as it is happening and it'll be over before you know it! Good luck and I hope you get a clean bill of health and find out that everything good and ready for your BFP!

 

[Hayleykins05]

It's so funny because my first one was also as teen for birth control. I wasn't sexually active and the whole experience was a little mortifying for me at that age. But now, in the US, I believe they upped the age to 21 and every 3 years if your previous paps are normal. Kind of seems a little risky, IMO, but as someone who's insurance didn't cover them, paying $250 every 3 years is way better than every year.

It'll be fine though. It shouldn't be painful, but maybe a little discomfort. The drs will walk you through the whole process as it is happening and it'll be over before you know it! Good luck and I hope you get a clean bill of health and find out that everything good and ready for your BFP!

I think it's ridiculous that women in the UK aren't being tested from an earlier age.

I've spoken to my mum and she says that it's uncomfortable but nothing agonising which was my fear lol I'm a wimp. Thank you I hope so too! X

 

[BeachyFeelin]

I wasn't sexually active when I got my first one either, just wanted to start on birth control to regulate my periods!

I still hate getting them...but I have found a Dr. I really like so it's not so bad. It's super quick, and not at all painful.

 

[Bing28]

I had my Pap smear done yesterday, and should ovulate in the next day or two, so I'm wondering the same as you if it will effect my chances this month!

I was in a little discomfort yesterday afterwards but managed to DTD this morning which was a little painful.

I read several things about it yesterday

1. That the lubricant they use can cause bad conditions for those spermies

2. The test itself can clear the entrance of the cervix making it easier for those swimmers to get to where they need to go!

But who knows...guess I'll find out in a couple of weeks...but I'm not holding my breathe for anything to happen this month.

GL ladies!

Xx

 

[claudinator]

I got cervical cancer at 20, I'm 30 now.
Your average cervix is 5cm mine is 2.3cm.
I had a year of treatment from 20 until 21. Smears every 6months for 10years.
I went 15days over due with a weak cervix. They removed over half my cervix and I still went over due. Don't worry you'll be fine.