To the ladies worried/anxious about getting their smear, I see you! I hear you!

You can’t bat an eyelid today without seeing a post online about how important it is to get your smear! And they are damn right there, it is very important!

The thing that gets me though, is that many of these posts (at least the ones that I’ve seen) verge on shaming someone who is nervous for whatever reason. And I think that’s wrong, it’s ok to be nervous! Yes many people will say “oh its only a few minutes and it’s their job!” You’re quite right, but I am still allowed to be nervous and anxious! It’s along the lines of just telling someone not to be anxious when they have bad anxiety!

You’re right they don’t care if you’ve shaved your legs, or if you have nice socks on. But if that makes you feel uncomfortable our feelings are still valid! Though it’s not an excuse to put it off forever.

Maybe like me, you’ve had a previous bad experience? When I was in my teens I was sent to make sure everything was ok because of in going gynae issues and also for some swabs (I had gotten a little drunk at a party, whoops!)

The nurse I seen didn’t explain anything to me, was abrupt and a little rough. She also choose to lecture me on my poor decisions (I knew I had been stupid but didn’t need her telling me too when down there....) told me she knew my grandparents and they’d feel the same. Yeah that put me off so so much!

Between then and now I have only had myself checked for anything nasty sexually at the likes of festivals (heck a few drinks and your mates all going you’ll do anything) Today I finally bit the bullet and stuck to my appointment. I’ve been referred to gynae again and, well in general I am off age to need one.

I had the nicest nurse ever, put my mind at ease, explained everything in detail and was super gentle.

Now after having a positive, well as positive as can be considering, experience I feel much more relaxed and hopefully going forward I won’t feel so anxious!

So ladies if you’re anxious, your feelings are valid.

If you’re scared your feelings are valid!

Try and find someone that puts you at ease, sometimes your GP if a female can do it for you. Ask and get an arrangement that suits you best.

It’s very important thing to do, and I feel much better knowing I’ve not only done it, but also gotten over and anxiety!