Im worried i may some sort of sexually transmitted disease. I really want to get checked out, but i cant pull myself to go and get it done. Plus im not sure where to go, whether it be the local doctors or a family planning clinic. This will be my first smear test so im quite scared as im not sure what to experience? Can you tell me what to be prepared for please, and is it really that bad?
2006-12-13 08:11:51 · 20 answers · asked by SoldiersGirl 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
Your local doctors, or GUM clinic, are great places to go, you can find your local GUM clinic in the phone book, or on the net.
Expect to strip from the waist down, but they will give you a sheet to cover yourself. You will be asked to bend your legs at the knees, and then let your legs flop. A small instrument will be inserted into your vagina, and the more relaxed you are the better, try taking nice deep breaths, and I find a very useful thing is to take my mp3 player to listen to as music helps me relax, or just think of nice things. It honestly isn't as bad as people make out, its not painful if you relax, the worst thing is embarassment, but you'll get used to that been a woman I'm afraid lol!! Don't get yourself worked up because than you won't be able to relax, the whole thing only takes a couple of minutes tops.
Good luck, and I hope this helps
2006-12-13 09:19:33 · answer #1 · answered by karen s 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have a good relationship with your doctor, I'd go there, if not, go to a Planned Parenthood. A gynecological exam isn't fun, but any means, but it's not the worst thing in the world. The key is to keep taking deep breaths to keep your body relaxed. The more tense your muscles are, the more it can hurt.
The doc will do a visual exam, then do a pap test (which is where you put your legs into the stirrups and they swab your cervix) They will also take some blood to check for other STDs.
The Planned Parenthood docs/nurses are all super friendly. They have seen and heard it all, so you can't shock them. If you let them know that you are nervous and scared, they will take their time and explain everything to you.
Good luck!
2006-12-13 16:18:15 · answer #2 · answered by AClaire 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well with a smear you can go to either your dr's or a clinic. The nurse will ask you to spread your legs and use the metal contraption that looks like a pen!s, puts some lube on it, insert it and then crank it open. sounds a bit harsh but its not. then she'll take a swab and probably do an internal.
sorry, have I totally put you off? its not pleasant but it doesn't last long.
if you're worried about STD's you really shouldn't wait around long and get yourself checked out. also if you're sexually active you should get your first smear in the first year then every 3 years after that.
2006-12-13 16:16:38 · answer #3 · answered by zanoshi 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to the Planned Parenthood in your community. It's free and confidential. They will not tell your parents and won't call your house phone unless you say they can.
A pap smear is not bad at all. It's a little uncomfortable, but nothing too bad. It really won't hurt you since you are already sexually active. The only thing you might have a problem with is the cold!! It's always freezing in there!!
2006-12-13 16:15:30 · answer #4 · answered by Yeah. 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check your local listings for a GUM Clinic - Genito Urinary Medicine. They are the BEST people to see for a suspected STD or anything else 'down there'. They are the old STD clinics. Much better than seeing your GP who is over run and more knowledgable in this area than family planning (who are great for contraceptive advice).
2006-12-13 19:37:40 · answer #5 · answered by ammie 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go to the local hospital, clinic, or health department. The health dept is usually free as the clinics are also. If you test positive they will want a list of the people that you have had sex with so they may be notified discretely and anonymously to be checked.
2006-12-13 16:20:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your options will vary depending on the size of community you live in or near. If there is a Planned Parenthood clinic near you, that is a good place to start. They offer discretion and not judgment. Also if there is an AIDS testing center near you, they usually are discreet, cheap and offer counseling. It usually doesn't have to be for AIDS either for them to help you. If you are positive for any STD they will test for others, though of course.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO GET TESTED AND TREATED ASAP!! KNOWING IS BEST AND ALLOWS FOR BEST TREATMENTS AND OUTCOMES!
You also MUST inform any other partners whom you may have been with that you have an STD, if it turns out that you do.
DO NOT PUT THIS OFF ANY LONGER!!
2006-12-13 16:47:08 · answer #7 · answered by rumbler_12 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For STD's if you go and see your GP they will refer you or give you the number of your local Genito Urinary Clinic and you should make an appointment with them.
As for smear tests, they're not all that bad. It may be slightly embarrassing for you, but generally not painful if you relax.
2006-12-13 16:40:22 · answer #8 · answered by Frances Fullafrogs 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not that big a deal...go to your doctor, tell him you think you have an STD, he will perform all the necessary testing and order appropriate treatment.
A vaginal smear is not a big deal. you lay down on the exam table with your feet in stirrups and your knees up and apart, the doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina so he can see and swabs the tissues for culture. As long as you relax it isn't uncomfortable.
2006-12-13 16:15:22 · answer #9 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can go to a family planning clinic and get a blood test for most STDs, including HIV, syphillis, gonorrhea. You may also want to see an ob-gyn for a pap smear to test for abnormal cell growth in your vagina canal.
2006-12-13 16:15:25 · answer #10 · answered by chiapet159 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋