Pap smear questions...lots!?!
Question: okay, so i'm 14 and i've been going to the gyno for about 2 years now cause i have irregular periods and all that jazz. i went this past month and they made me dress in the gown and all, but then once i got out there, they said that they didnt need to do the pap smear at all cause i'm under 18 and not sexually active (which is why i didnt exactly expect them to make me put on the gown!)
anyway, just in case they do a pap smear next year or whatever, i have a few questions. #1- does EVERYTHING come off under the gown (i.e.- bra, underwear, etc) #2- what if you have your period at the time? #3- should i shave down there ahead of time? #4- what is it actually like?
thanks a lot.
Answers: okay, so i'm 14 and i've been going to the gyno for about 2 years now cause i have irregular periods and all that jazz. i went this past month and they made me dress in the gown and all, but then once i got out there, they said that they didnt need to do the pap smear at all cause i'm under 18 and not sexually active (which is why i didnt exactly expect them to make me put on the gown!)
anyway, just in case they do a pap smear next year or whatever, i have a few questions. #1- does EVERYTHING come off under the gown (i.e.- bra, underwear, etc) #2- what if you have your period at the time? #3- should i shave down there ahead of time? #4- what is it actually like?
thanks a lot.
your doctor is correct about no need for a pap if you're not sexually active....but once you start becoming sexually active (even if you're under 18) you will need to start having pap smears annually.
usually on your first pap, the doctor will have you undress completely, including your bra (so the doc can perform a breast exam *which is standard procedure for a pap...depending on whether or not he/she has time*). you'll be covered in a hospital gown, so the only parts your doc will be seeing is your vulva/vagina. when he/she performs the breast exam, the doc will just lift up the gown and place their hand under it and examin by touch ONLY. now - normally, doctors only have about 15 minutes for each gyno pap appointment - the procedure itself only takes about a minutes or two, and the rest is spent getting you in the room, filling out necessary paperwork if needed, getting aquainted, you undressing fully or just from the waist down, procedure, any follow up instructions and then you're done. <<---this is the majority of the appointments you'll have, unless it's for something more serious.
if you're on your period, try scheduling an appt. either before or after your period. gyno's can still perform a pap smear if you're on your period, but it's preferable that you not be menstruating.
the way you look, is up to you. gyno's aren't there to judge, they're there to help you with your womanly health. if you want to shave or clean up a bit, then by all means, go for it. be sure to at least take a shower before going to the appointment if you have plenty of time to spare before heading out, or if you're going straight from a long day at school or whatever, take some baby wipes with you so you can freshen up down there while in the bathroom or something.
a pap smear, is quick and painless. once you're aquainted, undressed and on the table, positioned correctly and ready to go, the doctor with tell you to relax your legs and let them drop naturally to the sides. he/she will then insert a lubricated speculum into the vaginal opening, and then gently open your vagina up. you will feel a slight pressure on your lower abdomen. if you feel any pain during this, you need to voice up and tell your doctor immediately so he/she can stop what they're doing. while you're opened up, the doctor will look inside with a special light that is attatched to the speculum, swab around for cells, and then perform the pap smear itself - a bristle-like brush will be gently put into the inside of your cervix (just the tip) and cervical cells will be taken to be analyzed. you'll feel some pressure during this process too, but it's nothing to be concerned about. the doctor will close the speculum, and carefully take it out. and hey-presto! you're done. you can dress and be on your way.
light bleeding and some cramping are expected after having a pap done because of the bristles, but they are nothing to be worried about (unless the bleeding becomes heavier, then you will need to go to the hospital). pop some pamprin or motrin/tylenol, whichever pain-free pill of your choice is.
here's a link for some more information: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/pap_smear...
1. Everything comes off under the gown. Your underwear needs to be off for the pap smear and you take your bra off in case they check for tumors in your breast.
2. Most doctors won't see you during your period if they have to do a pap smear. If you're just going for questions or something where they don't have to check you then that's usually fine.
3. You don't have to shave for the doctor. They have seen it all so leaving it natural won't be a problem for them.
4. It's a bit uncomfortable but it should never be painful. You'll get used to it after a while.
Good luck!
This should answer all your questions:http://www.ppscny.org/my_first_pap_test....
yes u strip all the way down. they'll pry feel your breasts...for an abnormal lumps and wat not. well atleast they did with me and i was young. and they normally would like u to not come on your period if u do id just reschedule the appt for the following week. and u dont have to shave....u know how many diff looking vaginas they see everyday ahah they pry arent concerned but if that makes u feel more comfortable go for it. just make sure u shower b4 u go and all that. its quick (alil awkward) ur first time but they're professionals. hope that gave u some insight =]
1: yes, so that they can have access to your vagina for the pap and so that they can do a breast exam.
2. It is best not to do a pap if you are on your period because blood can obscure the results, but it is not harmful to you if they do. And often times the blood is washed away in the lab so it's not a big deal.
3. If you want to you can, but it's not necessary. They see it all!
4. They will have you scooch down to the end of the exam table and put your feet on these foot rests (stirrups) so that your legs are spread. Then you should relax and let your knees fall open. They will insert a speculum (a metal or plastic duck-bill looking thing that they can open up inside you to see your cervix). You will feel pressure on your vagina during this but it doesn't hurt. Then they will use a small brush to sample cells from the cervix. Sometimes this causes a tiny bit of cramping but it isn't bad at all. That's it! After the pap they usually do a pelvic exam, which just involves putting a finger or two in the vagina and pressing on your belly with the other hand. It shouldn't hurt at all.
You really don't need a pap until you are at least 18 if you aren't sexually active so hopefully you can put it off a few more years!
Well answer to question 1..EVERYTHING comes off but a cown they will give u
2 u dont get a pap while on ur period...not allowed
3 shave NO just keep it trimmed
4someone just checks ur insides that u have nothing and feels ur stomach to make sure ur ovaries are ok
any other questions feel free to email me
"no, dear you don't need to remove more clothing than you really need to unless you were in some sertain gymnastic's event's ? are you already getting your period at age 14 ? talk to a lady doctor or someone who deal's with that sort of stuff ? from alan tiger . "