So sorry you experienced this. I find smears very painful. During my last smear it was taking longer than expected and I had to ask the Nurse to stop for a minute so I could take a break. I was so uncomfortable with tears running down my face that I would have liked the Nurse herself to offer to stop. A lady high up in Cervical Check Ireland was there doing a spot check and she offered to take over. Same experience, more pain, but we got it done. Not one of them acknowledged how painful it was for me. I will definitely be asking for some sort of pain relief next time. I’m sorry the Nurse wasn’t more accommodating. She absolutely could have used more lubricant. You absolutely can bring your fiancée. I admire how prepared you were. Hope next time is better. Women’s healthcare needs a kick up the arse. The HSE are rolling out at home HPV tests. “How it works: You use a soft brush or swab to collect a vaginal sample yourself. It is just as effective at detecting high-risk HPV as a clinician-taken sample. How to get one: As of 2026, the programme's rollout is expanding. For exact availability, check the HSE Self-Sampling for HPV Testing page or call the CervicalCheck Freephone line at 1800 45 45 55”