Not marking this as NSFW because it’s about health, but mods please let me know if you think it should be and I will change it.
Health screenings are so important so I don’t want to put anyone off them, but has anyone else found them more difficult as you’ve gotten older?
Just had my cervical screening and it hurt like hell this time. Last couple of times have been fine. Not sure if it was the nurse or if I’m just more sensitive today or if it’s a normal thing to find it more painful. I figure if it is the latter then it’s good to be aware.
I had this experience in recent years. Heads up, cervical screening can get more painful in peri- and post-menopause, as the body’s natural lubricant production slows down and can stop altogether. It’s worth reading about all the perimenopause symptoms (including less common ones) and see if your paingul screening experience correlates with any other symptoms.
This is worth checking even if you’re younger than the average age range for peri (45 - 55), as some people with a cervix go through it at a much younger age.