Cervical Smear - can't find the cervix?

Question

Has anyone had this happen to them?

I went to the Drs for my routine smear test today and the nurse said that she "couldn't find my cervix". I've been told this when having previous smear tests. What does this mean? I've had one child (vaginal birth) so I know that its obviously up there somewhere, in the right position lol!

Answer 1

WHAT?

Answer 2

On occasions an inexperienced  or sometimes an experienced provider may not be able to locate the cervix.  If a cervix it retroverted, it means that it tips backwards.  None the less, when doing the exam, the provider usually places a finger within the v****a to guide the speculum. I usually take that opportunity to feel for the cervix.  If I can't find it then, I'll do a bi manual exam first to feel for the uterus and then have an idea where the uterus and thus the cervix is.  Sometimes redundant tissue with in the v****a makes it difficult to find the cervix.  Additionally, if too small a speculum is used, one may not be able to locate it either.

Your insurance company will allow you to see a gynecologist at least once a year without a referral.  You may consider that. And repeat hte exam there.  There is no negative cannotation nor risk for increased diseases.  But please have your pap smear done.

Answer 3

Only thing I can find on the net is a "retroverted uterus", where the neck of the womb points away from the v****a.  It says you can be born like that (but this surely would have been mentioned during pregnancy) but it also says carrying a baby can cause this.  Didn't the Doctor give any ideas as to what he/she thinks?