Is pap smear painful?

Question

Hi everybody...

That is my above question. I think it takes courage to go to a gynae and have a pap smear. 1st: because of the pain. 2nd: because of the anxiousness of getting the result. Oh dear...

Answer 1

It's a necessary evil.

It is uncomfortable and embarassing to an extent - sometimes even painful, certainly. But you have to do it - it can save your life.

It's just one of those things we have to put up with being women (think of what the men have to go through when they start getting prostate exams!)

Answer 2

You're going to hate this answer.

It depends. On the patient, the doctor, and possibly where you
are in your menstrual cycle.

I have friends that have NEVER had pain from pap smears.
I've had a few pap smears done that really were no more than
a gentle pinch, and some that had me clawing the ceiling.
Your best bet is to find a practitioner you like - your being
nervous doesn't help, so someone who makes you comfortable
will go a long way toward making it less stressful.

As regards the nervousness about getting a result?
Don't be. You can get atypical results from any number
of causes, including yeast and bacterial infections.
An atypical result does NOT mean you have cancer.

There's also a vaccine out there for some of the strains
of the human papillomavirus (HPV, aka 'genital warts')
that have been shown to cause cervical cancer. If you
are sexually active or thinking about becoming sexually
active, you may want to discuss this with your gyno as
well.

Answer 3

Pap smears may cause some discomfort, especially if it's your first one, and when they take a tissue sample you'll feel a little pinch and a bit of tugging. Once it's over you may experience some slight bleeding but it's nothing to worry about. It's also a bit embarrassing your first few times because you're exposing a part of your body you don't normally show off to just anyone! But other than that, it's quick and easy and one of the best things a woman can do for herself each year.

As for the anxiety of getting the results, most pap smears are normal. There's really nothing to be anxious about. It's simply a precautionary exam to catch possible diseases early on. Once you've had a few exams under your belt, it'll be just like getting your teeth cleaned. Not the most pleasant thing in the world but a necessity.

Answer 4

Danibear...do you even know what Pap test examines? Cervical cancer has nothing to do with wrong or right decisions.
Whenever you go in for ANY kind of test it is quite normal to be worried and anxious about the results because there is always a small percent things will not turn out the way you want them to.

To your question now, the pap smear does not hurt you just feel a slight discomfort. It is well worth the discomfort and embarrassment. Thanks to early detection of cervical cancer a huge percentage of women have been saved.

Answer 5

Seeing as how I've never had a child, my first pap smear was really painful because the stupid gyno insisted on using a larger speculum (intended for people who have had kids), claiming "otherwise he can't see anything."

Yeah, the next time I had one, I explain to the gyno (a diff one) and asked that he use what they call a "virginal speculum." That was a HUGE difference. There was discomfort but I wasn't going to pass out like I did for my first one. Just make that simple request to your gyno and they'll be sure to acquiesce. If they don't listen to your concerns, refuse the procedure and go to another gyno.

Answer 6

It is not painful. It can be a little uncomfortable and embarassing. But remeber that the people that do pap smears do them all the time and have seen everything before!

Answer 7

A Pap smear is not painful, but the pelvic exam may be a little uncomfortable.

Answer 8

No it doesnt hurt it just feels weird.
if you dont relax the thing they use to see your cervix can be a bit unformfortable but thats it.
the actual process of scaping the cells off is nothing. think of someone running a feather in a circle on your skin. just feels like you want to scratch it if you understand what i mean.

I've only had 2 due to my age and luckily both mine have been fine but i will always keep my appointments because its better that, god forbid, something does happen and i do get a positive result i would much prefer to get it treated quickly than leave it because of embarresment or fear.
good luck with it.

Answer 9

I have never had a painful pap. Sure it is a little uncomfortable mostly because no one likes showing off their private parts. It is over and done with before you know it.

Answer 10

It is not painful to have a pap smear, also very important to have one. Anxiousness of getting results is common, but not life treatening.