What, Who, How Question For Ladies Only?!
Question: What, Who, How Question For Ladies Only!?
Next week I am supposed to go see a Doctor or a Nurse at the OB GYN!. I've never been to a Gynecologist before!.
You better believe I'm scared as hell!. I may not even show up next week to the appointment!.
Can some of you tell me what all I should be expecting when getting a pap smear!? Because I don't know what that is and my Mom doesn't do too much of talking about anything sexual or about things in that nature to me!. I don't know why, but she just doesn't really speak about it!. She actually encourages me to talk to other older ladies about this kind of stuff!. And my Grandma lives so far away, so I can't talk to her the way I want to!.
*What is a pap smear!?*
* What all should I expect to happen!? *
* Will it be better for me to have a pap smear only when I start getting sexually active or is it better to have it now!? *
Just tell me everything you know about this!. Your answers and helps are very appreciated!. Try to convince me to go to that appointment, because like I said, I may not show up!. I hate pain!. I don't like pain!. And if I can avoid pain, I will!. I'm always running away from pain!.
And, no I'm not sexually active never have been!.
Thanks in advance!. I will pick a best answer as usual!.
Www@Answer-Health@Com
You better believe I'm scared as hell!. I may not even show up next week to the appointment!.
Can some of you tell me what all I should be expecting when getting a pap smear!? Because I don't know what that is and my Mom doesn't do too much of talking about anything sexual or about things in that nature to me!. I don't know why, but she just doesn't really speak about it!. She actually encourages me to talk to other older ladies about this kind of stuff!. And my Grandma lives so far away, so I can't talk to her the way I want to!.
*What is a pap smear!?*
* What all should I expect to happen!? *
* Will it be better for me to have a pap smear only when I start getting sexually active or is it better to have it now!? *
Just tell me everything you know about this!. Your answers and helps are very appreciated!. Try to convince me to go to that appointment, because like I said, I may not show up!. I hate pain!. I don't like pain!. And if I can avoid pain, I will!. I'm always running away from pain!.
And, no I'm not sexually active never have been!.
Thanks in advance!. I will pick a best answer as usual!.
Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
First of all, I would not consider 19 being a "baby"!. You're an adult and whether you like pain or not, you've got to face it like an adult!.
Secondly, I can commiserate the stress and worry that happens before your first gyno visit, I remember being quite st uncomfortable!. I suggest taking an ibuprofen an hour or so ahead of time, just in case, since it sounds like you are sensitive to pain!.
First of all, yes, it is important that you start getting a gynecological exam!. Nineteen is a good age to get your first one, whether you're sexually active or not!. If you continue to not be sexually active, I would say that you could probably get away with only going every two years, instead of every year, but that's just my personal opinion, it is recommended by all health care professionals to get a yearly gynecological exam, whether sexually active or not!.
I'm going to run you through a basic gynecological check-up!. First the nurse will ask you some basic questions about any drug use, prescriptions, any weird symptoms, whether you're sexually active or not, etc!. Then she will leave the room, asking you to undress completely and put on a robe!. The doctor will then enter and probably will start with some of the same questions before doing a breast exam!. A breast exam will consist of her simply feeling your breasts lightly for any unusual lumps or anything like that!. She will then ask you to put your feet in the stirrups of the table!. This will make it so that you are on your back and spreadeagled, with your legs up, so that he/she can get a direct view of your outer genitals, or your vulva!. She will likely spread your outer labia to get a better view and feel inside your vagina with her fingers briefly!. Again, this is to check for common cysts or things like that!.
Then comes the pap smear!. A pap smear checks for irregular cells on the cervix!. These cells are important to detect because it is the first symptom of something like HPV or cervical cancer, which is something all women, virgins or not, are susceptible to!. Being that the cervix is located at the back of the vagina, some special equipment is employed!. A speculum is a device that is metal and looks kind of like a duck's bill, or two shoe horns!. It really looks more intimidating than it is!. The device will be inserted into your vagina, and then the two parts of it will be spread so that the doctor can get a clear view or your cervix!. In short this speculum will open up your vagina just enough for your doctor to peek to the very back of it!. Then the doctor will take something similar to a swab (feels more scratchy than a regular swab, though) and scrape the cell sample from your cervix!. This whole thing should really only take about two minutes, tops!. Remember that if you are tense during this, your muscles will be as well, making the speculum much more uncomfortable!. I suggest trying not to think about what is happening and concentrating on breathing for the entire time!.
For very few girls this is actually painful, it should be at worst uncomfortable!. Hope your first experience isn't too awful :)
EDIT: Kellynipps answer about being 21 before getting a pap smear is incorrect!. You should start regularly going to a gynecologist when you turn 18 or when you first become sexually active, whichever comes first!.
"How often should I have a Pap smear!?
You should have your first Pap smear when you start having sex or by age 18!."
http://familydoctor!.org/online/famdocen/!.!.!.
Actually, as I'm looking, I'm finding lots of reliable sources giving mixed answers about whether 18 or 21 is the right age for a first pap smear!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Secondly, I can commiserate the stress and worry that happens before your first gyno visit, I remember being quite st uncomfortable!. I suggest taking an ibuprofen an hour or so ahead of time, just in case, since it sounds like you are sensitive to pain!.
First of all, yes, it is important that you start getting a gynecological exam!. Nineteen is a good age to get your first one, whether you're sexually active or not!. If you continue to not be sexually active, I would say that you could probably get away with only going every two years, instead of every year, but that's just my personal opinion, it is recommended by all health care professionals to get a yearly gynecological exam, whether sexually active or not!.
I'm going to run you through a basic gynecological check-up!. First the nurse will ask you some basic questions about any drug use, prescriptions, any weird symptoms, whether you're sexually active or not, etc!. Then she will leave the room, asking you to undress completely and put on a robe!. The doctor will then enter and probably will start with some of the same questions before doing a breast exam!. A breast exam will consist of her simply feeling your breasts lightly for any unusual lumps or anything like that!. She will then ask you to put your feet in the stirrups of the table!. This will make it so that you are on your back and spreadeagled, with your legs up, so that he/she can get a direct view of your outer genitals, or your vulva!. She will likely spread your outer labia to get a better view and feel inside your vagina with her fingers briefly!. Again, this is to check for common cysts or things like that!.
Then comes the pap smear!. A pap smear checks for irregular cells on the cervix!. These cells are important to detect because it is the first symptom of something like HPV or cervical cancer, which is something all women, virgins or not, are susceptible to!. Being that the cervix is located at the back of the vagina, some special equipment is employed!. A speculum is a device that is metal and looks kind of like a duck's bill, or two shoe horns!. It really looks more intimidating than it is!. The device will be inserted into your vagina, and then the two parts of it will be spread so that the doctor can get a clear view or your cervix!. In short this speculum will open up your vagina just enough for your doctor to peek to the very back of it!. Then the doctor will take something similar to a swab (feels more scratchy than a regular swab, though) and scrape the cell sample from your cervix!. This whole thing should really only take about two minutes, tops!. Remember that if you are tense during this, your muscles will be as well, making the speculum much more uncomfortable!. I suggest trying not to think about what is happening and concentrating on breathing for the entire time!.
For very few girls this is actually painful, it should be at worst uncomfortable!. Hope your first experience isn't too awful :)
EDIT: Kellynipps answer about being 21 before getting a pap smear is incorrect!. You should start regularly going to a gynecologist when you turn 18 or when you first become sexually active, whichever comes first!.
"How often should I have a Pap smear!?
You should have your first Pap smear when you start having sex or by age 18!."
http://familydoctor!.org/online/famdocen/!.!.!.
Actually, as I'm looking, I'm finding lots of reliable sources giving mixed answers about whether 18 or 21 is the right age for a first pap smear!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
u dont need to worry a pap smear does not hurt at all u will feel a little uncomfortable and there is no after effect and u should go getting a pap smear is very important!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I'm not going to lie to you!. It's going to be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it will NOT be painful!. You really need to go to this appointment!. It doesn't matter if you're sexually active!. You should be seeing the doctor every year that you have a period!.
A pap smear is a very simple test!. They get a sample from inside your vagina!. They can detect so many things from this test!. It is very important!.
They will have you go in the room and give you a paper sheet to cover up with!. You take off your bottoms and panties and sit on the table with the paper sheet over your lap!. The doctor comes in the room and talks to you about your periods and whether or not you are sexually active, etc!. Then you put your feet on these foot rest things (stirrups) and they do the pap smear!. The doctor may check your breasts for lumps!.
It's over pretty quick!. Don't put it off, just get it over with!. You only have to go once a year!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
A pap smear is a very simple test!. They get a sample from inside your vagina!. They can detect so many things from this test!. It is very important!.
They will have you go in the room and give you a paper sheet to cover up with!. You take off your bottoms and panties and sit on the table with the paper sheet over your lap!. The doctor comes in the room and talks to you about your periods and whether or not you are sexually active, etc!. Then you put your feet on these foot rest things (stirrups) and they do the pap smear!. The doctor may check your breasts for lumps!.
It's over pretty quick!. Don't put it off, just get it over with!. You only have to go once a year!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Don't worry! Although the gynecologist will do some things that can be uncomfortable feeling, nothing he does will be painful!. For a pap smear, the go inside you and scrape a little sample from your cervix!. You'll be able to feel something happening, but it doesn't hurt at all - it just feels kind of weird!.
You probably don't really need one now!. They're usually only recommended for people over 21, unless you're sexually active!. Discuss it with your doctor, and he might agree that it's ok to wait until you're older, and have more experience going to the gyno!.
Whatever else, don't be afraid to talk with the doctor - ask questions about what is being done, what different instruments are for and so on!. You don't have anything to be nervous about - believe me, he or she has heard it all, and will appreciate that you are concerned about your own wellbeing!. :)Www@Answer-Health@Com
You probably don't really need one now!. They're usually only recommended for people over 21, unless you're sexually active!. Discuss it with your doctor, and he might agree that it's ok to wait until you're older, and have more experience going to the gyno!.
Whatever else, don't be afraid to talk with the doctor - ask questions about what is being done, what different instruments are for and so on!. You don't have anything to be nervous about - believe me, he or she has heard it all, and will appreciate that you are concerned about your own wellbeing!. :)Www@Answer-Health@Com
Not to worry, it's not painful!. Uncomfortable, yes! Awkward yes! I understand that you are not sexually active (good for you by the way) but it is recommended that you start pap smears when you become sexually active or are 18 years of age or older!.
I have a really good friend whose daughter is 19 and she is like you; not sexually active and has just had her first OB/GYN appointment!. I aksed her what she thought b/c she was extremely nervous (her mom went w/ her in the room at her request to her mom)!. She said is was not bad but mostly awkward!.
Remember, since being a kid, we've always been told those are private parts and should be kept that way (LOL) so I think that's what makes it awkward as well!. Don't cancel your appt!., you really need to have that done!
Good Luck!!! Www@Answer-Health@Com
I have a really good friend whose daughter is 19 and she is like you; not sexually active and has just had her first OB/GYN appointment!. I aksed her what she thought b/c she was extremely nervous (her mom went w/ her in the room at her request to her mom)!. She said is was not bad but mostly awkward!.
Remember, since being a kid, we've always been told those are private parts and should be kept that way (LOL) so I think that's what makes it awkward as well!. Don't cancel your appt!., you really need to have that done!
Good Luck!!! Www@Answer-Health@Com
Actually, you should visit your gyno once you start to be sexually active, and you should have regualr visits after that!. And if you choose not to be sexually active til a later age, i would say once your 18 you should see the gyno!. It's one of those things, that once you become aware of your health, it's a necessity!. I became sexually active at a very young age, and have been visiting my gyno every 6-12 months just to make sure things are ok!
The pap smear is just a little test were they take a long q-tip to get a speciman of your cervical mucus to test!. Back when i first started getting those, it was like a very small car jack looking thing almost! haha were they had to open it up to keep your vagina open, but now it consists of a very small plastic tube they insert!. and in the snap of a finger, its done!.
the only thing i find akward is the whole opening my legs up to a total stranger!. and oddly enough!.!.!.!.all the lady doctors i have had were like snooty and i dunno, not cool!. i went to this guy docotr and maybe because he went out of his way to be soothing and reassuring, but he was really cool, and i was comfortable with him!.
good luck on your visit!Www@Answer-Health@Com
The pap smear is just a little test were they take a long q-tip to get a speciman of your cervical mucus to test!. Back when i first started getting those, it was like a very small car jack looking thing almost! haha were they had to open it up to keep your vagina open, but now it consists of a very small plastic tube they insert!. and in the snap of a finger, its done!.
the only thing i find akward is the whole opening my legs up to a total stranger!. and oddly enough!.!.!.!.all the lady doctors i have had were like snooty and i dunno, not cool!. i went to this guy docotr and maybe because he went out of his way to be soothing and reassuring, but he was really cool, and i was comfortable with him!.
good luck on your visit!Www@Answer-Health@Com