Previous rape & need smear test now?

I was raped by a mental health support worker when I was 18 and a virgin but never told anybody until last year (I was 28). I had a smear in 2001 which was painful but was completed. When I went for another one last year (after 5 years) it was agony, I felt like I was going to rip in two and the nurse said she wouldn't continue. She asked if I was in a sexual relationship, I said no so she said I didn't need the test as it was so distressing. I didn't mention the rape as I hadn't told anybody then but if it was related wouldn't the first test have been impossible? I trust my GP and might be able to tell him about the past, but I'm frightened he'll say just make an appointment with a nurse and try again. They don't understand, its just a routine test to them and I don't know what to do. What if I don't do anything and abnormalities aren't found in time? Please tell me how to deal with this, I know I need the test but I don't want to be reminded of what happened before.

I had counselling support from a local sexual assalt centre last year and have dealt with many issues, I really feel able to move on from the past but the problem is with physical examination. It was a physical rather than mental reaction but I guess they are related somehow!

I am sorry that horrible thing happened to you, and I agree that a female Physician would be your best way to go. When you finally do get someone you trust, you really do need to tell them everything that happened. These things stay with us for ever, and we need to talk through it.
There are different size speculum's, ask the one taking the test to use the smallest one...and to be sure she lubricates it first. You will be tense, that's a given, but I know you can do this. Relaxing is always very difficult, even when someone hasn't had such a trauma. Try to let your legs go real wide, and keep your bottom on the table.Remember to ask the Dr to talk to you, and tell you everything she is doing.
I would spend some time getting to know the doctor first. Sometimes, you can make an appointment just to talk to her. Then , when you feel more comfortable with her, you can make another appointment to get the exam done.
The reason you might have had such a bad time with the second test, is you were afraid and tense. The muscles that we have down there, can contract and spasm. Fear will do that. Because you had pain on the first one, your body was assuming it would happen again. Once you talk to your doctor, perhaps you can,as stated by someone else, have a friend come with you for the exam. They don't have to be in the room, but just standing by. It might help to ask the doctor to give you some Valium to take before the exam. A low dose wont hurt you, and might make the whole thing so much easier for you.
It is important that you talk about what happened. You can make it through this.
Good luck !!

am sorry to hear about your rape. find yourself an ob/gyn, preferablly a woman. tell her of the rape on the first visit and go to her for all your gyn needs. she will be more able to treat you with out pain. there should not be any distress during a pap, some discomfort, maybe.

First of all, you clearly have some unresolved issues over the rape...as well you should! PLEASE see someone about some counseling. It's never too late to get your life back on track.

Secondly, even though you're not now in a sexual relationship, there's nothing to say that the person who raped you wasn't a carrier of HPV, which is the #1 cause of cervical cancer, so you DO need your annual pap smears. Even if he wasn't not every case of cervical cancer is caused by HPV, and a pap smear is the ONLY way to know if you've got dysplasia (the starting point for cancer). So you should STILL get your paps.

Finally, DO bring a friend with you for your paps...you can have anyone you want with you for moral support. And DO tell your doctor about your problems and tell him that you want HIM specifically to do the test. There is NOTHING wrong with making a few small demands in order to make sure YOUR HEALTH is taken care of.

Good luck.

first of all, i'm sorry about what happened, the same thing happened to me just last year so i feel your pain. I had my pap test done 4months after and yes it was a bit painful but its for the sake of our health so as hard as it may be just remember that its less than 10mins of our lives. It would also certainly help if you had this done with a female gyno, certainly. look at the ceiling and take your mind far away from where you are while the test is being done, that's what i do.

Im sorry to hear of your past but i know you dont want sympathy.
In life - you have to deal with the past in order to move on. Get this test done and dont look back - the son of a ***** who did this is a loser sh it, waste of space - dont ever think you have done anything wrong as most victims do.

Get the test done - if you do it youll put your mind at rest and itll be like closing the past.

Ok, first of all here's a cyber hug! I'm soo sorry this happened to you. But I'm glad you're trying to move forward.

Ok...pap smears are very important, and while sometimes painful, you really should try to go get them as a precaution because I'm sure you'd like to be well informed if cervical cancer ever comes.

Talk to your physician, I'm sure they can give you some tips to help deal with the pain.

On the mental side, please try some counseling. It'll help release those bad memories. You can get in touch with one by talking to your physician (apparently they keep lists of mental help people) or contacting a local church or womens organization.

First, get help to deal with the rape. It is obvious you have unresolved issues. It is not that uncommon. By all means let your GP know and ask for a therapist or support group. Get counseling. You are not alone.

I am so sorry to hear this, you have been living with this all this time and have not felt able to turn to anyone.

Look in your local telephone directory there are confidential helplines and support groups where you can talk to someone without giving your name. they will listen and advise you what to do, but it is still up to you.

seek the help now darling and dont be afraid you will be able to turn this around, and one day when you are stronger you may be able to offer the same sort of help and reassurance to some other young girl .

Hello sweetheart, I am sorry to hear of you being raped, it must have been a nightmare and very traumatic.

If you have a good relationship with your GP try telling him about the attack and see what he suggests, he may be able to give you a relaxant if he thinks you need another smear, you could ask if you could have a close friend with you which might help you relax and certainly mention the attack to the person carrying out the smear.


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oh mama i've been there.. it takes a lot to get up on that table in the first place!! but you have to think of it this way are you gonna let "him" take more from you? are you gonna let this "guy" win again? he took from you something that can never be replaced and now 10 years later he is still takin from you!! he's takin away your courage and you ability to take care of yourself because annual paps are so important!!! you have to find a place you can be when you're there, you have to relax (because if you tense up it will only be worse) and you have to know you're doctor is not there to hurt you!! it also might help to get a lady doctor-- i can't see a man doctor. try that.. it helped me!! good luck and get it done- you're stronger then some memory that can't hurt you anymore!!