Smear Test between 20 and 65

[Gurneet]

Please could you help me does the smear test hurt, is it painful and long does it last. What does the doctors or nurses tell. Why do women between 20 and 65 have the smear test. Why should I have a smear test.

[andy hughes]

Further to my previous answer - the test lasts a few minutes, and is not usually painful. The lab analysis will advise of any abnormailities in the cells tested. The test is carried out on women of the age group 20 - 65 because they are considered at risk from potential cervical cancer. You should have a regular smear test because cancer of the womb caught early enough can be treated usually successfully.

[Miss Zippy]

You absolutely must have them done Gurneet. There's no denying it is a pretty embarassing procedure, perhaps a little uncomfortable, but not painful. The actual procedure itself will take little more than 5 minutes and the embarassment is a small price to pay in exchange for catching any problem early and saving yourself the pain and misery of undergoing treatment for full blown cervical cancer. Make sure you ask for a female nurse or doctor when you book your appointment, if you will find that less embarassing.

[Nelli]

Not painful at all, it is one of those things that you worry about, but once it is over you wonder what on earth you were concerned with. Staff are always very sympathetic and calming.Nothing to worry about at all. :-)

[ipek]

Hi Gurneet,
If you do a Category search here for 'smear' you will find a similar question titled 'medical matter' that several of us answered recently. The answers were all well rated by the recipient and so you might find them equally reassuring. If this is your first time, then tell that to the nurse and ask her to explain what she is going to do - you should find the nurse more than willing to help you relax.
The procedure is very simple, there should be little or no pain and it really is preventitive medicine at its best. Please go regularly, please try to relax and please encourage women you know to attend. You really will wonder what you were worried about and it takes 10 minutes maximum. Good luck!
P.S. If the search doesn't work - here's a link to the answers question 22689

[rekstout]

Just like to add that it really is vital to go - even if you are young. My younger sister didn't want to go but finally went and they caught pre-cancerous cells in time and she was treated - if she hadn't gone it could have been a lot worse for her later on. The smear test program really does save lives.

[KARL]

Reading your questions on the smear test, I cannot help wondering if you may be a virgin and therefore wanting to know if your hymen will be torn (removing the source of "proof" that you are a virgin and not "second-hand" merchandise). I think it inevitable that any hymen would be removed by the procedure, but you should go and have it done all the same because of its obvious importance to your health. If you are concerned about this aspect, tell your GP and re-iterate your concerns when you are about to have the smear taken - I imagine you will receive very sympathetic advice and help generally.