How to face it with confidence

Many people put off cervical exams because of anxiety or embarrassment. In this feature, we spoke to two obstetricians and gynecologists to find out what you need to know and do to feel prepared and let go of anxiety.

Share on PinterestHow can you prepare to attend your cervical screening appointment with confidence? Photo credit: Oleksii Syrotkin/Stocksy.

Cervical screening – also known as a smear or pap smear – is an important part of the health care of the female body.

This is because it can detect abnormal cells, human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, allowing doctors to develop the best and most timely treatment and care plans.

However, many people are concerned about scheduling and attending cervical screenings, sometimes because of concerns about what the test entails. will it hurt Will it cause discomfort or bleeding?

Other causes of anxiety relate to body image and the psychological discomfort of being in a vulnerable position in front of a stranger.

Medical News Today spoke to Dr. Zahra Ameen, a consultant obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) at the Cadogan Clinic, and Dr. Apurva Shah, an OB-GYN at Women’s Wellness Associates at Saint Vincent Hospital and a member of the Mira Medical Advisory Board, to learn more about what goes on during a screening and how to prepare with confidence.

“Fear of a pelvic exam is probably the number one reason people avoid cervical exams,” Dr. shah “Other reasons are lack of knowledge about the purpose of screening, lack of resources, history of physical abuse. It’s a very intimate test and can feel like an invasion of privacy for many.”

Still, overcoming fear is crucial to minimize the risk of cervical cancer and other gynecological health problems.

“The most important thing women need to understand is that cervical screening is a potentially life-saving test and the very best protection against the development of cancer,” emphasized Dr. ameen

“The test detects HPV infection at an early stage, before it develops into cancer, and whether there are abnormal, pre-cancerous cells in the cervix. If everyone participated in their regular testing, 83% of cervical cancers could be prevented. It’s over very quickly and 93% of cervical swabs are normal,” she noted.

During the appointment, you will undress from the waist down behind a privacy screen and cover your pelvic area with a disposable sheet.

The doctor conducting the screening will then ask you to lie down on an examination table in a position that allows access to your vagina — usually with your knees apart, although this can vary depending on what is most comfortable for you.

They then use a tool called a speculum to gently open the vaginal walls and gain access to the cervix. Many people worry about the size of the speculum, but that shouldn’t be a cause for concern, said Dr. Ameen to MNT.

“The size of the speculum varies from person to person and depends on your age and the size of your vaginal opening,” she explained. “Typically, it only needs to be opened to 2.0 to 2.5 centimeters wide to take a swab.”

The healthcare professional doing the screening then uses a soft brush to collect cell samples from the cervix. They send the samples to a laboratory for analysis.

The whole process should only take a few minutes.

“It’s also very important to remember that the medical professionals who do the swabs are experts and have performed numerous cervical screening tests,” said Dr. ameen

It’s only natural to feel uncomfortable at the thought of having a stranger examine your private parts. But it’s worth remembering that this person knows what they’re doing — and they’re not there to judge your body.

Additionally, because they’ve performed this procedure so many times, the healthcare professional will understand your concerns, so it’s worth speaking openly about your fear or discomfort.

“If you’re really worried or concerned about any part of the test, it’s wise to talk to the doctor or nurse beforehand, as they can help make the test more comfortable for you and discuss your concerns,” Dr. Ameen also suggested.

“Smears shouldn’t be painful. You may feel a little discomfort in your pelvic area and some pressure, but this [is] right now,” said Dr. ameen

She recommended asking to change position on the counseling table to see if it helps relieve discomfort:

“Some people find that different positions reduce discomfort, such as B. placing the hands under the buttocks to tilt the pelvis up and allow it [your] Gently open and relax legs, allowing for a more comfortable clinical examination.”

“Using a lubricant can also help with speculum insertion,” she added.

dr Shah pointed out that finding a healthcare professional you trust is important to prevent physical and emotional discomfort during a cervical exam.

“Feeling in control and seeing a vendor you can trust is key,” he told MNT, explaining, “Once you’re in a position of trust, it really impacts how.” Your body and pelvic floor respond to an exam.”

The more relaxed and in control you feel, the less likely you are to feel uncomfortable during the screening, he said, because “the pelvic floor, which would otherwise resist the speculum, relaxes and allows for a much gentler exam and an overall better one.” Adventure .”

Part of building trust with healthcare professionals, added Dr. Shah adds, is to be open with him about what the screening entails and your own concerns about it.

You could also ask for a more hands-on approach. “If you feel more comfortable inserting the speculum yourself, go ahead and ask for it. You’d be surprised how much easier it is for you,” he suggested.

It might also help to bring a friend along for moral support, said Dr. shah

Both Dr. Ameen and Dr. Shah shared some tips for staying calm during the appointment when the anxiety feels like it’s starting to take over.

Before the first smear, many people ask themselves what to wear best. dr Shah suggested wearing what you’re most comfortable with, not only to make it easier to take off and put on, but also to make you feel more confident and relaxed.

“I believe a lot of our confidence and control comes from our image, and any clothing that offers comfort and confidence is the way to go,” he said.

During the appointment, Dr. Ameen: “Remember to take deep breaths, which will help you calm down – don’t hold your breath as this will tighten your muscles and increase the discomfort.”

If it’s difficult to clear your mind, you might want to use something distracting to shift your focus. “I’ve had patients play music, some watch Netflix, others talk about their hobbies,” said Dr. shah

dr Ameen also noted that for people who are very sensitive to physical discomfort, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) half an hour before the appointment might help prevent painful sensations.

“It’s important to remember that you are in complete control and can ask the doctor to stop at any time, especially if you’re in pain.”

– DR Zahra Amin

MNT also asked the OB-GYNs if pain or bleeding was likely to develop after a swab. Usually, they said, swab tests don’t cause any further discomfort or bleeding, although slight staining can occasionally occur because the brush used to collect cell samples can sometimes irritate the cervix.

“Some people may experience spotting or very light bleeding after a smear test because the blood vessels in the cervix are irritated, and this is not uncommon and usually not a cause for concern,” Dr. ameen

Excessive bleeding after a swab is not common, and anyone experiencing these or other symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.

“If you have heavy bleeding after a swab that is not your period, severe cramping, or a blood clot, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out other health problems. You know your own body and it’s important to listen to it,” said Dr. ameen

It typically takes 1-3 weeks to process a swab sample and receive the results. In most cases, the results come back clear, but sometimes laboratory analysis picks up abnormalities in the cells. However, this is not a cause for concern, explained Dr. ameen

“If the swab test is positive for HPV or abnormal cells on the cervix, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer,” she noted. “That means you’ll need to see a specialist gynecologist who will do a colposcopy to take a closer look at your cervix and possibly do targeted biopsies.”

Also, in some cases, the lab finds the sample unclear. You should avoid scheduling a swab test on a day when you are likely to have your period, as blood cells could interfere with the sample and make it unreadable, and you may have to postpone the test.

For the same reason, you should not use creams on your vagina 2-3 days before the test.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about cervical exams is that you are taking control of your own health by scheduling and attending as recommended.

“It’s not uncommon to feel the fear [about smear tests], but you can fight fear with knowledge,” said Dr. shah

“Educate yourself about what to expect, let your doctor know how you feel, be situationally aware in the exam room, and don’t hesitate to speak up,” he urged.

“It’s your body and nobody can treat you in a way you don’t like. I think once you develop that sense of control, the fear will melt away.”

– DR. Apurva Shah

source https://www.bisayanews.com/2022/01/24/how-to-face-it-with-confidence/