2y ago

Anyone else found health screenings more painful as you age?

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.

13 comments

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.

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.

Things get really real once you hit 45 and need a colonoscopy. (Do not skip this. It can save your life.)
- Fortunately, they've come out with better options for the horrible drink that cleans you out. Do your research and make sure you're not getting the old-fashioned "drink gallons and gallons of this salty stuff all night and don't leave the toilet" solution. I've had wildly different experiences based on the solution that's prescribed.

You should check if self-collects are available in you country, that might make it more comfortable.
- That's a thing?! Want.

I'd guess the change on cervical exam was the nurse/doctor that did it. But as we get older, there is less natural lubrication (probably why they use gallons of lube on the speculum). If it happens next time, mention it to the doc/nurse. They can give suggestions for making it less painful (assuming they don't suck, and tell you it's all in your head). IIRC where you are in your cycle can also play a role (don't quote me on that).
To answer your original questions, I think they generally get more invasive, so yeah, but as technology has improved, exams have become far less awful overall.
- It could also be that they've used a larger speculum. Makes a huge difference.

Ugh yes. Last time, about 4 years ago, it just felt like stretchy pressure.This time, about a week ago, the NP remarked that I was awfully dry, but even after she lubed the speculum it felt like she was trying to rip me apart. ::: spoiler sex, way tmi (Which is honestly what any sort of penetration feels like nowadays; I can use enough lube to stain the sheets and still feel like I'm riding a roll of sandpaper. I'm only 38 ffs!) :::

Same doctor as previous screenings?

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