System Spatula
System Spatula
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Painful, bloody pap smears?
I just went through my third annual pap smear about three days ago, and they've all been notoriously painful. The nurses I've visited have seemed especially surprised by this every time.
Not only is the actual examination uncomfortable, but even the huge, soft swabs on my cervix cause some pain. It's the brush and spatula that really get me, though - and this time I found myself bleeding quite a bit during the examination. I'm still clearing blood out of my system three days later.
I've asked about it, and mentioned it every time I've had it done, and I've never had any answers. Is this any indication of problems, or is there any way I can make these visits somewhat more pleasant?
I was told that blood on the slide can obscure the test, which means that it's possible I'll have to go back and get this done AGAIN before the year is up.
A Friable (meaning easily aggravated) cervical opening can cause the bleeding and the pain. Deep breathing during the exams can help. I have been a nurse in the OB/GYN field for a long time, and lots of women bleed. It does not necessarily mean a bad result. It also does not always obscure a test smear. The pathologists that read your smear slide, I hope, know the difference between blood cells and cervical cells or they shouldn't be reading them at all. They are highly trained in looking for abnormalities. If you are bleeding heavily from your period, we always ask that you reschedule just because a large amount of blood can cover the endocervical sample taken with the brush. Next time you go, see if your provider has the 2 in one cervical scraper/brush. The entire scraping is done with one swipe and is less painful, more gentle for tender cervical openings and then the whole stick is placed in the smear bottle making it highly impossible that they miss something. Trust your Doctors, they will let you know if something is wrong. Congratulations for being one smart woman for getting regular pap smears regardless of the pain!!! Bless you!
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