In a few weeks I'll got in for my first ever pap. with gynecologist. I'm a freshman in college and not sexually active (never been to a gyno). The reason for my visit is to get my period to be regular (i had three of them in a month.....?) and maybe get on bc or whatever's necessary. Does anyone have any advice as to what to do/not to do while preparing for the first visit? Does it hurt? How long does it take?
Thanks!
2007-02-23 08:49:52 · 11 answers · asked by Confused..... 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
ahh, the first visit sucks because you have no idea what to expect, but it is SO fast and painless and no big deal at all! you'll see in a few years, when it's been annual for a while it is so routine, much less time than normal doctor visits too. usually someone checks weight/blood pressure first, then the doctor or nurse practitioner will come in, talk to you about why you're there, show you how to do a self-breast exam, then do the pap, which might be a little uncomfortable but no big deal. you just scoot down on the table, put your feet up, they open up your vagina with a speculum (they'll use a teeny one on you so you won't feel anything really) and swab your cervix with a qtip, then it's over. it takes like 5 seconds. sometimes it feels weird when they do the swab but it doesn't hurt - just an odd sensation because you've never actually felt anything touching you there before! Anyway, that's it. You'll probably still hate every minute of it but you'll feel good when you realize you're taking control of your health. pap smears are one of the only known ways to PREVENT cancer! go you!
2007-02-23 08:59:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, relax. Every woman has to do this. It does not take long. You need to not be on your period when you are examined. I know that may be tough being irregular. If it gets close to the time of the exam and you start, call the office and explain. Do not douche prior to the exam. Also make sure you let the office know this is your first exam. This is to make sure they leave enough time for the dr. to spend with you. Usually lasts anywhere between 20-30 minutes. Most of this is talking ( so don't worry), the actual exam is very quick. Be sure to ask lots of questions, even bring notes. It is OK! Remember - they have heard EVERYTHING before. Here are lots of links below to spell out all the details. If you can't read these, google "First Time Gyn Exam"
It's quick, it's painless and it's necessary. I hope you get everything resolved, good luck!
2007-02-23 09:03:19 · answer #2 · answered by juneaulady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a number of good sites that go through step by step what will happen. Can't remember any off the top of my head right now. BUT, attempt to relax, not it doesn't hurt, a pap test is uncomfortable, but does not hurt. My best advice is NOT to keep you knees together, as they need to be "shoulder width apart" for the doc to see properly, the first few times I went I was knee touch, and the nurses kept having to lay one hand on my knee and talk me into "just let your legs fall heavy"... that was more embarrassing to me. I think of it like doing to the dentist. I don't want to be there, its not fun, but it will be over soon.
I asked for the mirror to be placed so I could see what was going on the first few times as well. To be honest, it was because I wanted to keep an eye on the doc. Its always been fine though.
From doc walking in to you walking out - 15 - 30 minutes usually. Depends on what you are there for. But the exam itself, 5 minutes tops. Unless there is a problem. There is the pap, as described above, and then the internal - one hand (finger) in, one on top pressing down. And don't forget the breast exam. I always hate that part as when I lay down with no bra my breats fall into my armpits and I'm ticklish on the sides.
2007-02-23 09:02:23 · answer #3 · answered by Noota Oolah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The internal exam is really fast, like less than five minutes. The doctor will tell you what to do (lie down, put your feet there, etc.). S/he'll shine a light on your privates, insert a speculum to open up your vagina (you'll feel pressure but no pain), take a Pap smear (like a q-tip touching your cervix), and that's it. S/he'll also look at your cervix to make sure it looks healthy. S/he'll take out the speculum and insert his/her hand to feel your uterus and ovaries to make sure all is well. That's it. As other people have said, the doctor will usually talk to you during the exam to put you at ease. After the exam, you may have some mild cramps.
Good luck!
2007-02-23 10:53:06 · answer #4 · answered by bedhead 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No women ever like going for that yearly exam but it is so important and only takes maybe 20 seconds. I wouldn't say it hurts just feels a little crampy but goes away immediately. If you have a good doctor they do it enough to know how uncomfortable you are and they honestly act like your just sitting for coffee cuz they will talk about random stuff so you don't think about it. Really it is so important to do whether your sexually active or not. Good luck and don't worry you'll be fine.
2007-02-23 08:55:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it will be embarrassing,but if you can relax and think of something totally apart from whats going on it will make it easier,it doesnt hurt but if your tense it will make it a little uncomfortable which you will be anyway it doesnt take long// it was always the getting ready and dread that bothered me,they will put you in a gown,there will be stirrups(places to put your feet)on each side and then they will take a speciman to be examined,its not painful just embarrassing to me..............good luck
2007-02-23 09:07:32 · answer #6 · answered by loveChrist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Haha ... I live in Michigan and have to go to Detroit because it is the only place you can get a direct flight. I am scared to visit Iran and Afghanistan right now ... they probably hate my American guts ...
2016-05-24 03:23:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was really scared to go to, But its alright theres nothin to it you just lay there, I had to go because my period lasted for a months one time and they just put my on the shot, it doesnt hurt its just uncomfortable, they willbe gentle and understandig that its your first time, if they take a sample from your cervix, You will get ramps just like your on your period but its really no big deal, lasts about 5 minutes if that, I just always try to make sure im really clean b4 i go in for one lol, Butyou'll be fine no need to be scared
2007-02-23 08:57:00 · answer #8 · answered by Artsy-Fartsy-Momma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just shower right before you go. It isn't that bad. It only takes about 30 seconds then it over. Don't stress about it.
2007-02-23 15:05:16 · answer #9 · answered by jennifer d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just relax and enjoy!
2007-02-23 08:53:54 · answer #10 · answered by polk2525 4 · 0⤊ 8⤋