7 DOCTOR-APPROVED WAYS TO GET OVER YOUR 'SMEAR FEAR'

Attending your pap smear is incredibly important for detecting early signs of cervical cancer. It’s time you stopped avoiding it. Here’s how.

- BIANCA LONDON

So many women don’t attend their pap smear due to a lack of knowledge surrounding the procedure, fear or embarrassment. Not many young women do, which is worrying. Doctor Clare Morrison, GP and Medical Advisor at MedExpress, offers her seven pieces of advice for getting over your reservations.

1 Know what it’s for

A common misconception is that cervical smears are looking for cancer. This isn’t the case. They’re designed to detect mild changes in the cells of the cervix that, if left untreated, could eventually, usually after several years, lead to cancer. That’s why it’s important to attend regular smear tests, as recommended by your GP. If treatment’s recommended, it’s generally effective at stopping cancer from developing in the first place.

2 Be prepared

On the day of the pap smear, by all means, have a shower or a bath, as it’ll make you feel more confident and less self-conscious. But there’s no need to wash more than you normally would, or use anything other than water and unscented soap. Wear clothing that’s quick and easy to take off.

3 Know what to expect when you arrive