Can a smear test be done without a speculum?

If you are really anxious about attending cervical screening, the good news is you can now do a test at home. Home tests are less invasive; you can do it yourself, they do not require a speculum and you don’t need to touch your vagina with the swab. The results are then sent in the post.

Does swabbing the cervix hurt?

Having your cervix touched with a brush isn’t an everyday experience, and it might feel like a tickle or a prod. The most important thing to know is that while your Cervical Screening Test might feel ‘uncomfortable’ for the reasons above or other reasons, it shouldn’t ever hurt.

What is the difference between a Pap smear and a swab test?

The other important difference between Pap smears and wet mounts is that Pap smears are swabs of the cervix. 3 Wet mounts are swabs of the vagina. They’re not only used to diagnose different types of conditions, but they also contain samples of cells from different places.

How can I make a smear test less painful?

8 Tips For Making Your Smear Test More Comfortable

1. Remember that your GP or gynaecologist has seen many vaginas before.
2. Wear warm clothing.
3. Think of something to distract you during the test.
4. Focus on your breathing.
5. Ask for a smaller speculum.
6. Relieve yourself before the test.
7. Communicate with your doctor.

Do doctors have to use a speculum?

This allows them to see your vagina and cervix more easily. Without the speculum, your doctor won’t be able to do a comprehensive pelvic exam.

What infections do swabs test for?

Swabs are usually taken from the inside of your vagina and cervix. These are sent to a laboratory to look for signs of a bacterial infection and identify the bacteria responsible. A positive test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea or mycoplasma genitalium supports the diagnosis of PID.