i'm 41 and have only ever had one smear...when i was in I.C.U. a few years ago and wasn't conscious so couldn't argue.

my doc would like me to get one for sure. partly for common sense i guess, but also partly coz precious little is known of my family medical history. (i don't really get that my family history matters but she says it does?)

thing is i'm so nervous i don't know if i can. does anybody else get nervous over it? and if so do you please have any tips on how to deal with it?

I think everyone gets nervous about pap tests, no matter how many you've had.

I started having them at 17, then had one per year up to age 40.



If you have a hx of any female trouble - depending on what type of trouble - your risk of having the same goes up. That's why the docs want to know your family hx, so they are careful to watch for those things in particular.

Even if nobody had any cervical cancer in your family, that does not mean you can't get it. And the symptoms can be very subtle, and come pretty late when the cancer is advanced. Better to have the smear and catch the cancer, don't you think?

How do I cope with the test?

Usually, I try to go into denial before hand. And after I do something nice for myself.





It's not fun, but you'll be okay, okay?

I agree, BGB, it's not fun but after having two children.....modesty has taken a seat waaaaaay at the back of the bus.... It doesn't bother me, but I go to a lady doctor who is great. I know her, know what to expect, she treats me like a person and not a chart, and I can talk to her about things that I would most definitely feel uncomfortable taking to a male doctor about. I really don't mind going.

For years it was the only place I could go by myself...no kids or DH there...so I made the appointment last as long as I could!!

((((((braingonebad)))))) Thank you for explaining that all to me, particularly about the symptoms being subtle and coming late, never knew that.

((((herekitty1960)))) i have 4 kids but always found internals and stuff problematic. it's not embarrassment or modesty though...i just find it scary.