HPV Virus, Pap Smears???!
Question: Okay, so I am 19, recently sexually active and soon to get my first pap smear.
Now, Me and my partner were both virgins and have not had any other sexually partners.
Is there any change I could have contracted HPV? (we use a condom every time) It just sounds so extremly common.
But we are both clean of STD's, so I guess I just think something terrible could still happen. It just says HPV can be spread through sex, so it seems like it can happen to anyone, even if they are both clean.
And what is it like getting a pap smear? How long does it usually takes?
Thanks
Answers: Okay, so I am 19, recently sexually active and soon to get my first pap smear.
Now, Me and my partner were both virgins and have not had any other sexually partners.
Is there any change I could have contracted HPV? (we use a condom every time) It just sounds so extremly common.
But we are both clean of STD's, so I guess I just think something terrible could still happen. It just says HPV can be spread through sex, so it seems like it can happen to anyone, even if they are both clean.
And what is it like getting a pap smear? How long does it usually takes?
Thanks
If you were both virgins, and used condoms every time you had sex, the chances of getting HPV is slim.
Pap smears take about 5 minutes (including the brest exam, and setting up of all the tools the doctor will use) The actual exam takes less than a minute to collect the samples.
While having a stranger with front row seats poke around your private parts, there is really nothing to be afraid of. They will have you undress from the waist down, and give you a paper drape to cover yourself. They will have you lay on the exam table (remember that you want to be as far down as you can go......) with your feet in what are called stirups. They will have you spread your knees apart. They will insert a tool called a speculum in your vagina. The speculum is used to hold your vaginal walls open....don't be alarmed if it is a little cold. (They will also lube it up so it slides in easy) Once it is in, and the vaginal walls are held open, they will take a long "Q-Tip" and wipe your cervix with it a couple times. They will then take the speculum out and have you get dressed. There may also be a breast exam. They feel all of your breast tissue from your collar bone to your upper abdomen, and from your armpits to the center of your chest. The whole process should take less than 5 minutes.
You shouldn't feel any pain. Maybe slight pressure when they put the speculum in, and when they are collecting the samples from your cervix.
A good doctor will tell you what he/she is about to do before they do it.
While they are embarassing to have done, they are not all that bad. The first one is always the hardest, as you have never had one so you don't know what to expect.
It is very important that you don't have sex, or douche 24-48 hours before the test. You can get an abnormal result. It is ok to shower or take a bath the morning of..... and greatly appreciated by the person doing the exam.
Good Luck?
if you used a condom every time, before he even started to penetrate you, then you should be alright. but just so you know, it can be spread orally also.
getting a pap smear can be uncomfortable, but it is easier when youve already had sex. there is a lot of pressure on the walls of the vagina because it is opened up so wide, and you can feel the swab rubbing your cervix. it doesnt really hurt; it is just more uncomfortable than anything, almost like a twinge of cramps or something. they usually dont take more than like 30 seconds. it's a pretty quick procedure.
when you go in for your pap, you might want to ask to get tested for stds, since the doc is in there anyway. they'll just do an extra swab. if you want to be tested for hpv, you have to ask for it specifically.