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.
Yeah I wish my doctor would check my prostate using lube, or at least a glove.
Kidding, kidding. My doctor actually said the best practice is no longer to routinely check prostate via digital rectal exam (DRE) because it doesn’t indicate prostate issues any earlier or more accurately than checking a blood PSA level.
I can only imagine that a cervical exam is very uncomfortable. And being that I work in the medical field, I have assisted obtaining cervical swabs. I will say that some providers are pretty focused on getting a good exam or swab and seem to forget that it is a person they are working with. I would definitely mention that it was especially uncomfortable last time and see if they can go slower or anything. If not, maybe get the exam from a different provider, if possible. Some people’s technique just does not include the comfort of the patient.