2006-07-09 12:46:15 · 12 answers · asked by nicole b 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I just had my first pap smear a few days ago. They are just getting a few samples of cells from your cervix to test for cancer and other stuff. It feels like they are putting pressure on your cervix, mine didn't hurt at all.
2006-07-09 12:50:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh my gosh, I really had to hunt your question down, when I saw I had a feeling that I really needed to answer this one....
During a pap you lay on the table with your legs in stirrups, you lay back and the doctor should talk you threw everything that happens.
I am almost thirty and I still hurt after a pap, I usually go home and curl up on the couch, I tend to cramp after wards, but everyone is different, you may not have any problems what so ever.
During the pap, you may feel slight cramping, tightness but that is all.
I really can't describe what it feels like....but woman have to go to get paps every six months to make sure everything is okay down there.
Girls are suppose to start going when they start their periods for the first time ( not while they are bleeding ) and or when they first become sexually active.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and don't feel embarrassed. It is a part of life that you will become accustomed to. We all do.
You should also talk to your mom about it. Let her know you are nervous, I really don't know how old you are but either way, you can still talk to your mom, that is what moms are for.
2006-07-09 12:56:18 · answer #2 · answered by Not a Daddys Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for the pap smear itself, I think everyone here pretty much covered it. I wanted to add some stuff about pelvic exams because first pap test probably also means first pelvic exam.
Take some time before you go to think of any questions you have about reproductive/sexual health. You should get the most out of this appointment. It's ok to write a list of questions to bring with you and don't worry about asking "the wrong question". The wrong question is the one that doesn't get asked.
You can and should ask *before* your pelvic exam begins what they will be doing.
Before your exam, find the bathroom and pee. A full bladder with a pelvic exam can make for more discomfort. Also, when the exam is over, you're gonna want to clean up a bit before putting your underwear back on. Bring some wet wipes or something in case they don't have any.
And lastly, someone ought to tell you though that sometimes as part of a pelvic exam there is a rectal exam. You should know this before hand, and again, remember that you can ask the doctor or nurse before the exam begins what they will be doing.
Good luck, and good for you for caring about your health.
2006-07-09 14:23:53 · answer #3 · answered by perseph1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had plenty of paps. The only thing that is uncomfortable is when they put a thing (either hard plastic or metal) in you to open you up wider. Then they put like a big q-tip, to get a sample...this you don't really feel. Then you are done. It's pretty fast and you will be uncomfortable for a minute or so. Not bad at all.
2006-07-09 12:57:27 · answer #4 · answered by DeeRep 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will open your cervix with a speculum, which is uncomfortable but only for a few seconds, the actual pap smear only consists of the dr. taking a swab, the dr. will feel around to make sure everything's okay inside (uterus...) and will press down on your stomach at the same time, which can be uncomfortable, but again only for about a minute as long as there isn't anything wrong. As long as your dr. is good and knows it's your first exam, it shouldn't be bad and believe me, you'll get used to it the older you get!
2006-07-09 12:51:18 · answer #5 · answered by tn80 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does feel a little weird. You'll feel pressure, but not pain. At least you shouldn't, if you feel ANY pain AT ALL, tell your doctor.
Your doctor will talk to you, and have you answer some questions about your period and sexual activity. They may also do a finger stick so they can check your iron levels. You'll have to take your pants and underwear off and lay on a table with your feet in stirrups. They then insert an object into your vagina to push the walls apart so they can get to your cervix to take samples. Your doctor may also have to place a finger in your vagina and push against your cervix to make sure your uterus is okay (it's the only way to get to it) They will probably also do a manual breast examination. It usually goes pretty quick, and it should be painless...if it's not, tell them!
2006-07-09 12:55:00 · answer #6 · answered by nanlive35 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to admit it's not the most pleasant thing in the world, but it is necessary. Ii is uncomfortable but I wouldn't put it under the painful category. The best thing to do is deep breathing and try to relax as this makes it less uncomfortable, try to have a doctor you feel comfortable with as well.
Good luck.
2006-07-09 12:51:57 · answer #7 · answered by Day 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First things can be frightening because of the unknown element.
Take a look at the web page, listed below.
2006-07-09 12:52:04 · answer #8 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor will explain it to you my dear,and its just a little sting ,its very important to have them done so as to be able to detect any abnormal cell growth . Its a snap don't be scared .
2006-07-09 12:52:39 · answer #9 · answered by Yakuza 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesn't really hurt...it's just a lot or pressure on you...and it's quite uncomfortable (well to me it is)...for your first one they are going to talk you through everything and tell what they are doing...but it's not going to take that long
2006-07-09 13:37:48 · answer #10 · answered by Taquila (Celtics Fan) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋