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Views: 561 Created: 7 months ago Updated: 7 months ago

First Smear

The letter

The letter went on to inform her that in line with the national screening programme it was the university health service's policy to "offer" a cervical smear to all female students. It then went on to inform her sternly about the risks posed by cervical cancer and the importance of catching it early.

Moderating its tone slightly, the letter went on to say that the test would be performed by the nurse, was painless and would only take five minutes. This was at least slightly reassuring, as the "horror story" faction (see part 1 above) were full of tales of agony and humiliation at the hands of male doctors.

Finally it said that the test was also an opportunity to discuss sexual health and contraception. Cynically, Clare couldn't help thinking that the screening programme was to some extent a trojan horse allowing the authorities to ensure that the newbies didn't cause a rampant outbreak of STDs and unwanted pregnancies across campus.

Anyway, she was late for a lecture so she shoved the letter in her pocket to think about later.

Patientlywaiting 7 months ago 2

I can still remember mine, was given by a lovely motherly older nurse called Sister Sue. I remember being overly concerned that I wouldn't be clean and I waxed, bathed, douched and talcum powered every inch of me in preparation. Funny thing is, the doctors surgery was directly opposite my flat, less than 100 yards walk. I'm not sure what I thought would happen in that 100 yards walk but my biggest fear was that she might think I wad dirty. The smear was generally fine, she used a metal speculum, it was very cold and I was shocked by how wide it was opened, it hurt a little, I don't think the talc helped lol but it didn't take long. The smears I've had done recently have been with plastic speculums, they are not cold and much more comfortable.

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