4 Comfort Requests to Discuss Before Cervical Screening

If a previous examination hurt, booking the next one can involve more than finding an available date. Tell the service what happened and what you want discussed before the test starts.

Four requests to raise

1. Discuss the speculum size. The NHS¹ suggests asking for a smaller speculum if you feel discomfort.¹
2. Ask about another position. Lying on your side with your knees drawn towards your chest is one position to discuss. Tell the clinician which position concerns you.¹
3. Ask whether you can insert the speculum yourself. This is another option listed in the NHS¹ guidance. Ask the service how it would work during your appointment.¹
4. Agree on how to pause or stop. Say what signal you want to use and ask the clinician to acknowledge it. You can ask to stop the test at any point.¹

Bring support in the form that suits you

The NHS¹ also suggests bringing someone for support or something to listen to or read. Ask ahead about arrangements if you would like another person with you.¹

Write the request that matters most at the top of your appointment note. You can say: “Before we start, I need to explain what was difficult last time.” You do not need to make the account sound smaller than it felt.

Seek medical advice for heavy bleeding after screening or light bleeding that does not stop after a few hours.¹

Down There, Decoded includes an appointment script and a Down-There Log. Use them to organize the questions and symptoms you want to discuss. See the book.