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Cervical screening process deemed 'problematic'

23/11/2011

7 Comments

 
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Quack! Maybe they should go with the duck thing
A study out this month reveals it’s not all upping the nation’s oestrogen levels through the power of urine for ladies of the UK. No, The role of primary care professionals in women’s experiences of cervical cancer screening: a qualitative study has revealed women tend to find the screening process “problematic”. 

34 participants were interviewed for the study, focussing on their experiences and understandings of cervical screening. 

“Though there is an important role for primary health care professionals in easing discomfort and facilitating positive experiences, women often report feeling disappointed with how the procedure is conducted. Women suggest that practitioners’ attempts to normalize the interaction and maintain a degree of detachment could have the perverse effect of making them feel more uncomfortable and that more personalization would be welcome.”

With a third of women in the 25-29 age bracket not attending cervical screening appointments, this is an important issue. In 2009-2010 78.9% of women eligible for the test attended a screening. It’s no mystery why women avoid the screenings, but how can they be made more bearable? 

The Vagina Monologues tackle the subject of the smear test to an audience consisting of horrified teenage girls next to older women nodding along in agreement, chuckling, at the duck lips description. All sitting with their legs firmly crossed. I am pretty sure this is a case of the old ‘if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry’ situations. The image of a cold, gaping metal duck mouth heading for my princess, ‘QUACK, QUACK’ does not make me chuckle warmly to myself. 

It’s got to be done. Sorry to the under 25s and those who thought having the HPV vaccine meant you escaped, it is a necessary evil. Instead of (ha, ha) ducking the appointments, what do you think could be done, short of the manufacture of pink speculums, to make the whole shebang a more woman friendly experience?

My suggestion would be a clear protocol. I am always more comfortable when I know what the etiquette is for any situation I find myself in. 

Are you expected now to vajazzle for the appointment? Or would this startle the nurse? Eye contact and friendly conversation or silence and furtive glances? Perhaps you’d elect for your nurse to sing a tune. Hey, if you can elect to have a caesarean now I think you can elect to hear your favourite Rihanna single hummed as the speculum looms. 

Answers on a postcard to the NHS please. Or in the comments section below. 
7 Comments
Squeamish Louise link
23/11/2011 03:30:10 pm

Well I had 2 tests when I was younger and have spent the last 5 years firmly in the non-attending camp!

I do think attempts to make the whole procedure clinical and detatched mean it can be off putting. I had a male nurse who freaked out when I stood up to put my clothes on while he was still there ("wait until i'm out of the room!") - dude, you have already seen way more than most people, I was cold and wanted to put my jeans back on!

Also, and I fully realise this probably isn't feasible on the nhs, but the setup is horrendous. If I go to a salon for a leg wax (well, I did one time) it's usually painted nicely,.there's music etc - it's a pleasant atmosphere. At a clinic it's all white walls and plastic chairs. Doesn't exactly put you at ease!

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Squeamish Kate
23/11/2011 04:34:11 pm

Yes, see, I have thought about this with the humming! Then you can choose the music and there's no danger of Norah Jones.

Yes I had confusion because the nurse stood behind the curtain and I said do I take my tights off...here? And she said NO ROUND THE CURTAIN but that was WITH HER!

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Nic
24/11/2011 07:01:45 am

I remember getting a reminder that I was due for a smear test on my birthday or possibly Valentine's? The point is I was very disappointed that it was a card from someone nice.

Smear tests aren't nice but they're over pretty quickly. My last one took no time at all and I was back in my flat watching bad 80s mafia comedies on the end of my flatmate's bed before I knew it.

I know people are nervous and it's awkward but some things just have to be done and it's nothing to be scared of. I will share a very amusing story with you both (but not on the internet!) It was in the same vein of shocking the nurses with things they have obviously see a MILLION times!

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Squeamish Kate
24/11/2011 08:43:48 pm

Yes they do have great timing don't they?

Can't wait to hear the shocking story!

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IPL Mount Eden link
24/5/2012 03:12:00 pm

I learn something new on different blogs every day. It is always refreshing to read posts of other bloggers and learn something from them. Thanks for sharing.

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26/8/2012 07:32:39 pm

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laser hair removal gold coast link
28/8/2012 10:39:18 pm

True women have fear for screening test. But your quack quack is great.

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