> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.birminghameastside.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Ten tips to get through the smear test
- URL: https://www.birminghameastside.co.uk/ten-tips-to-get-through-smear-test/
- Published: 2018-01-22T16:20:28.000Z
- Updated: 2018-01-22T16:20:28.000Z
- Author: Birmingham Eastside
- Tags: Charity, News, #Migrated-1786701253228, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-14 09:54

Today marks the start of Cervical Cancer Awareness Week.

![Smear Test. CC: DES Daughter](http://birminghameastside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Smear-test-image.jpg)

Smear Test. CC: DES Daughter

According to [Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust](https://www.jostrust.org.uk/?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk), **1 in 4 women don't attend their smear test** so I asked women what advice they would give to someone who's nervous about being tested.

### 1\. Relax - Trish Auciello

https://twitter.com/Trish\_Auciello/status/955369540648685568

### 2\. Put your fists under bum - Kirsty Cameron

"I find it helps to tilt your hips and that's not just for ladies with a tilted cervix."

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/cbc-good-idea-xT0xemaMYnb6pobtXW?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)

### 3\. Sing to yourself - Melissa Johns

"I sing 'There she was just a walking down the street, singing do a diddy dum diddy do' and by the time I'm finished the nurse is done."

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/cheezburger-singing-funny-13OimkHh6yHOCY?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)

### 4\. Take someone with you - Kayleigh Hanlon

"If you're afraid, taking someone close with you might stop you be frightened."

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/cats-gl8ymnpv4Sqha?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)

### 5\. Chat to the nurse/doctor - Lynsey

"Talk to the nurse/doctor about your concerns before so they can reassure any worries you may have."

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/netflix-orange-is-the-new-black-oitnb-3oKIPgybjmY43YEwqk?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)

### 6\. If it hurts, tell the nurse - Jules Slevin

"If you experience any pain for any reason you can ask the nurse to stop."

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/social-justice-qP1mEdNmgwEP6?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)

### 7\. Ask for a smaller speculum - Jenny Marston

https://twitter.com/jennymarston\_xo/status/954789644633329664

### 8\. Count backwards from 60 - Deborah Hindson

"I've always found counting backwards from 60 - 0 always helps."

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/countdown-thNsW0HZ534DC?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)

### 9\. Wear a dress - Charlotte Bell

"You won't feel as exposed with a dress on."

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/disney-pretty-princess-3vuh4hs0qgLQc?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)

### 10\. Have a glass of Wine - Emma Harrington

"It'll relax you"

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/L8YL8cI2avOV2?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)