Vaginal/PAP Test/Period Serious Problem. HELP!?!

Firstly, as long as you are getting at least 1 period a year, you are fertile. So that shouldn't be a worry. Next, it could be something as minor as endemetriosis, PCOS(polycystic ovary syndrome), or your body still trying to regulate itself/hormonal imbalance.

When did you very first get your period(age)? Have you ever been on any type of birth control? Are you sexually active? Have you ever been anorexic/bulimic? Are you within your ideal BMI? Are you over weight? Do you eat healthy? Do you excercise very often? Do you play a vigorus sport? All of these things will affect your menstrual cycle.

With regards to the problems with inserting tampons, and your fear of a pap smear, I believe you are suffering from a disorder known as Vaginismus >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus << If you have a talk with your doctor, she should understand and not force you to do a pap smear until you are ready.

The things that could be affecting your cycle can be tested by other means than a pap smear >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pap_test <<. A pap smear(named after the doctor who founded the test, the name has nothing to do with the proceedure) only tests for abnormal cells that could later on change into cervical cancer due to certain types of HPV.

The only way you can come into contact with the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer is to be sexually active/have penetrative sex with someone who has those strains of HPV. So if you have never been sexually active, there is no real need to do a pap smear until you reach the age of 18(which you have, but again, there are other tests available).

The ob/gyn will insert a speculum >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speculum_(m… << into your vagina to hold it open. She will then use a thin spatula type instrument and a small(teenie) brush to gently take some cell samples off of your cervix(which is right at the end of your vaginal canal, nothing can get through it unless it's sperm or a baby, which you have to be dilated and in labor for, trust me).

While there are nerve endings in your cervix, they are less dense(or not as many) compared to say, your clitoris. Some women report having deep cervical orgasms due to having more nerve endings there than others. But, you will find these women are in the minority. So therefore, when your cervix is being brushed, you shouldn't feel any pain at all. Some discomfort, if anything, especially if you are in tune with your body, but that should be all.

I would grab a mirror and have a good look at your vagina. Did you know you can see if your hymen is still intact by doing this?!?! Your hymen is actually located OUTSIDE of your vaginal opening. So if you see a bit of skin over or around your opening, then you still have it!!!

I mention this as you could have a septate hymen(if you have ever actually ever gotten a tampon up there, but had trouble getting it out). A septate hymen just means that you have a band or bands of skin running lengthwise down your vaginal opening, instead of a wider piece of skin. This can cause problems with penetration, too, but a septate hymen is uncommon. Just thought you might be curious! >> http://www.healthystrokes.com/hymengalle… <<

Best of luck, I would suggest finding an ob/gyn you are really comfortable with and discuss all of these things FIRST before she just decides what is best for you.

See links above.

I'm a 21 year old female whose sister has vaginismus.

Here is a web site on pelvic exams and pap smears.
http://www.women-health-info.com/47-Pelv…

women health info

I have the same issue, I'm 21 and get my period every few months or so. Delayed periods can be because of poor eating habits, stress or even something more serious. However, in my case I've always had weird periods like that. A pap smear is something every woman should get done once a year. It's not that bad of an experience to go through. I'm sure the doctor will be nice and gentle with you (just tell him/her about your tampon experience). It could be serious and then nothing at all. Try eating more balanced meals and drink more water. Freaking out about it causes stress and delays your period even longer.

Experience

You might want to go to the doctor and discuss your issue with tampons along with your period. You might need a minor surgical procedure because of your inability to get anything in there. You might just have a issue with your hymen. i m assuming from the sounds of it that its still intact.
And from what i understand, you are not supposed to get a pap smear until you have lost your virginity. Of course there are extenuating circumstances and yours might be one of them.
Let them know about your fears and difficulties and they will help you out as best they can. No need to be bashful around someone in their line of work : )

Good luck and relax. Oh and if they do have to give you a pap, ask for the plastic speculum.

If you are only having a period every 4 months then something is wrong. It is a good thing your mom wants to take you to a doctor. Don't worry about the exam, most people are afraid of these things, it is normal. Just look forward to afterwards. Then, you will have peace of mind and possibly have the problem fixed. My suggestion, if you are becoming nervous, try to think of fun things to do after the exam, and only after the exam. Go to a movie, or rent movies or something that you find fun....but tell yourself if you don't go you don't get to do those things. This way at least you have something to look forward to and it will help you to overlook the exam.

A lot of girls have trouble inserting tampons. That part is completely normal. As for what the Pap test is like, I haven't ever gotten one myself, so my knowledge on them would be the same as yours.