I have had a letter saying I need a smear test. I've never had one before so dont know what to expect. Do you see a doctor or a nurse? What do they do to you, do they have to look between your legs?
2007-09-21 21:32:52 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
OMG!! They put things in you? What is that like, that is SO embarassing!
2007-09-21 21:41:31 · update #1
OMG!! They put things in you? What is that like, that is SO embarassing!
2007-09-21 21:41:32 · update #2
A pap smear refers to a sample of cervical wall cells which are obtained by scraping the cervix during a pelvic examination. Doctors generally also visually observe the cervix during the smear to detect any abnormalities.
Basically you lie on your back or your side on the examination bed/table. An instrument called a speculum is slid gently into your vagina and then opened so that the doctor can see the cervix clearly, with the help of a light.
The smear is then taken with a thin spatula and a soft brush. It is really a very thin amount of mucus with cells that sit on the surface and the small opening of the cervix. The smear is then placed on a glass slide, which is sent away to be tested.
Pap smears are important because they can detect cancer of the uterine cervix or precancerous conditions and abnormalities of the cervix that may lead to cancer.
Every woman should have a pap smear done regularly once she becomes sexually active or is 18 years of age (which ever comes first). In Australia where I live, it is recommended that a smear should be done every 2 years, however it may be different in the US / UK / Europe and elsewhere.
I have had plenty of pap smears and to be honest, they are more embarrassing than uncomfortable...it only takes about a minute for it to be all over too.
Hope this helps answer your question! :)
2007-09-21 21:39:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they have to insert something in to your vagina and look between your legs to do the pap smear. The instrument is called a speculum and looks like the bill of a duck. This instrument makes it easier for the doctor to get the brush that is going to be used to take the cell sample from your cervix that gets sent to the lab for analysis. The results should come back in about 1-2 weeks.
You may also notice some spotting for a couple days afterward but this is normal to have happen. It's caused by the irritation of the brush used to take the cells from your cervix.
The test is done by the doctor or in some cases depending on the practice a special kind of nurse called a Nurse Practicioner.
Because this is your first time I would recommend seeing a female physician. I think you would feel more comfortable talking to a female doctor.
2007-09-21 22:56:35 · answer #2 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"The doctor will also feel your ovaries during this exam which will involve them inserting lubricated and gloved fingers into your vagina. They will then put some pressure on the outside of you around your tummy and press so they can feel your ovaries with the hand thats inside you. It's typically pretty uncomfortable, but not painful. Just as uncomfortable as you can imagine having someone press into your tummy. Also, they will probably do a breast exam on you as well which they ask you to undress to the waist and they laying down on the table, with one arm over your head, they will feel your breasts for lumps. This all sounds weird, but you will get used to it after the first few times. It gets done every year so just get comfortable with the exam ."
Nope--not in Great Britain, which is where it sounds like the poster is from (her calling it "smear test" instead of "pap smear"). Women in the UK just get pap tests--they don't usually get pelvic or breast exams. And smear tests are only every 3 years, not annually. All they do is insert the speculum and get the sample from the cervix. They don't do any sort of manual exam or try to find your womb or ovaries.
To the OP--it's a valuable tool to prevent cervical cancer, but you don't have to have a smear test if you don't want to. You can call the number on the card and ask to be removed.
2007-09-22 00:32:00 · answer #3 · answered by Riveting Rosie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do more than look hon! But it's nothing too bad. You can request a nurse if you would prefer, or a lady doctor, whatever you prefer.
They insert a metal device called a speculum into you, and expand it so they can see your cervix (top of the vagina) and then take a swab with a thing resembling a long cotton bud. It doesn't hurt at all, it's just a little embarrassing. You soon get used to having it done, and it's all really boring for the nurse, she does it all the time.
2007-09-21 21:38:45 · answer #4 · answered by Dogsbody 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is a simple and quick test. While you lie on an exam table, the doctor puts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina, opening it to see the cervix. She will then use a special stick or brush to take a few cells from inside and around the cervix. The cells are placed on a glass slide and sent to a lab for examination. While usually painless, a Pap test is uncomfortable for some women i was 21 when i had my 1st one.......
2007-09-21 21:41:12 · answer #5 · answered by ~~Lisa~~ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think everyone has done a good job of describing the pap smear. but there are a few other things that come along with this that you might want to be aware of. The doctor will also feel your ovaries during this exam which will involve them inserting lubricated and gloved fingers into your vagina. They will then put some pressure on the outside of you around your tummy and press so they can feel your ovaries with the hand thats inside you. It's typically pretty uncomfortable, but not painful. Just as uncomfortable as you can imagine having someone press into your tummy. Also, they will probably do a breast exam on you as well which they ask you to undress to the waist and they laying down on the table, with one arm over your head, they will feel your breasts for lumps. This all sounds weird, but you will get used to it after the first few times. It gets done every year so just get comfortable with the exam . Good luck!
2007-09-21 22:00:30 · answer #6 · answered by Wink 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well Id love to tell you it is the best feeling in the world but i am sure you have figured out but now that its not.
Its usually a nurse that does it but sometimes doctors do them too - kind of depends on each doctors surgery.
Yes they have to look between your legs but it is all very quick and they do everything they can to make you feel comfortable.
they take a couple of swabs from you and do a quick visual examination...its all very normal.
It will be a little uncomfortable and you will feel maybe a little pinch or scratch but aside from that its fine.
It will be over in like 5 minutes and then you will be up and out of there before you know it!
2007-09-21 21:42:12 · answer #7 · answered by Sarah F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must be referring to a Pap Smear. A doctor with a nurse present, or a nurse practitioner will perform this test.They will use a device to gently open your vagina and scrape the lining and them 'smear' it on a piece of glass and send it to a lab for diagnosis. This is to screen for cancer or any other disease. Don't worry, it may be a bit uncomfortable or embarrassing but it's perfecally normal and it's important. Try to relax.
2007-09-21 21:40:44 · answer #8 · answered by sonyvet2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can see a female nurse its a little embarrassing but its worth for the peace of mind its not that painful really and you might get a slight bleed afterwards but you'll be fine
2007-09-22 04:43:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes you do . I had one at the docs office .
2007-09-21 21:37:30 · answer #10 · answered by Kat J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋