I am SO scared, I thought they would just lookbetween my legs that was bad enuf! Do you have to be opened up? How can they do that, how do you have to lie for them to do that? Are you naked?
2007-09-21 21:48:53 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
During a smear test, some cells are taken from the cervix. These are sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. To be able to judge the cells properly, this is best done in the middle of your menstrual cycle, halfway between one period and the next.
The doctor or nurse will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina to allow them to see the cervix. A spatula is then wiped or scraped over the surface of the cervix to remove some cells, which are then transferred to a glass slide. The doctor or nurse may also do an internal examination to check for any problems.
The procedure can be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful. Try to relax. Talk to the doctor or nurse if you're worried.
No you are not naked;
There a number of postions for this procedure;
2007-09-21 22:00:13 · answer #1 · answered by watercress kebab 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't worry. All women go through this (and men think they have it bad!). You will be undressed but covered with a johnny and a sheet on your lap. The doctor will have you slide to the edge of the table and put your feet in the stirrups. They use a speculum to hold your vaginal opening open for them, then they will use a couple different types of swabs to retrieve some cells from the cervix. Most doctors will take out the speculum and insert 2 fingers and press on your abdomen to feel your ovaries. And VOILA all done. It always sounds worse than it really is. It can be embarrassing at first, but remember they are medical professionals. If you prefer to have a female you can request one, or have a nurse in the room with you.
2007-09-22 05:05:33 · answer #2 · answered by 1sleepymama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, I've been getting those tests for years. It's not the most fun thing to do but it's better then developing cancer, right? No, you are not naked. You'll have a gown on & probably a sheet also.
Yes, they do open you up, gently and professionally. Remember the Doctor does this probably every day. Just keep in your mind that it will only take a few minutes.
Be strong...I wish you well.
2007-09-22 05:01:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i understand how u feel about the procedure..most especially if ur a first timer. in a smear exam, u will be positioned comfortably on a bed with ur legs held aprt into a stirrup. u will be provided privacy though, a blanket will placed on u to cover u. during the procedure, u will be asked to breathe deeply from ur mouth, to relax ur vaginal muscles. when ur vaginal muscles are relaxed, the speculum will be inserted, lubricated so as not to be painful, to provide a better acces to ur cervix in getting a specimen. a cotton bud will be used to scrape a specimen from ur cervix. the specimen will be brought then to the lab for examination. the dr will also assess ur cervix using a gloved, lubricated finger. since lubricants are used, the exam will not cause friction that would inflict pain on u. u will be kept comfortable after it coz the procedure is done already. it might last 10-15 mins only. if ur sex life is active, u need to have a regular exam to prevent certain diseases that may indure u. bare with it coz its for ur own good..k? just relax during the duration of the procedure and cooperate with nurse doctor to make it easier to all of u...sing if u can..hehe..it would help relaxed too!
2007-09-22 05:56:29 · answer #4 · answered by liez 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you are naked for the exam, but they give you something to cover up with so it's not like you are fully naked the entire time. You have to lay back on a table with your butt hanging off the edge and your feet in stirrups. They insert an instrument called a speculum, which opens you up a bit and helps the doctor see inside you better. They will swab your cervix for the pap smear, and take other samples if you are having other testing done. The doctor will also insert a finger and palpate your belly so he can examine your ovaries and uterus.
2007-09-22 05:40:12 · answer #5 · answered by aqx99 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
During the examination you can expect the following:
Upon arriving you will be asked to provide answers to a health questionaire. Pleae remember to be honest. Then you will be called back to a examination room.Once in the exam room the nurse will take you temp. using a thermometer orally. Your blood pressure will be checked . At this time the nurse may ask you personal questions such as date of last menstrual period, are you sexually active, allergies, etc... After doing this the nurse will hand you a sheet and ask you to disrobe or get undressed removing everything except your socks once undressed cover yourself once on the table.The doctor will knock on the door and enter. He will introduce himself and the nurse which will be present during the exam. He will then talk with you briefly as he washes his hands and puts on his gloves. He may do a breast exam while asking you alot of the same questions. Once completed he will sit on a stool at your feet and ask you to scoot to the end of the table. Once you are at the end of the table in correct postion he will pull the sheet back and ask you to place your feet in the stirrups and let you knees fall to the side. He may ask you to spread your legsa further during the exam. At this time he will bein by lubricat a finger and gently inserting it inside you. This is done quickly while palpatating the outside to examine the cervix. He will then be handed a speculum which comes in different sizes. Once the apprpriate size is determined he will lubricate it and gently insert it. Once the speculum is inserted all the way it is locked open which hold the vagina open and gives clear view to the cervix. A little discomfort may be noticed during insertion of the speculum. At this time he will scrape a few cells from the cervix for proper testing by a professional lab. Once he is compleate he will unlock the speculum and slide it out. Normally after this procedure you may feel some cramping and some light spotting so I strongly suggest bringing and wearing a pantyliner or pad for the remainder of the day. Some patients choose to take Advil to relieve discomfort prior to arriving. This is a anaul procedure and should not be neglected. Your physician is a professional. He is there to care for your health. Please dont be embarrased about anything. Some of my patients are embarrased about their hygienic practices such as shaving bathing, or overall cleanliness. Please shower before going and relax. You will be in better health. If you need a referal post the need on your question I will refer a doctor in your area. Thanks and hope this eases your fears, Dr. K
2007-09-22 08:10:03 · answer #6 · answered by Dr. K 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
why would she not be serious? i remeber how scared i was at my first pap, it feels invasive ifyou're not used to it. Don't worry about the proceure, you will have a gown on. they slide a metal instrument in which gently opens you and then a smallbrush. also the dr will insert a gloved finger, they also sometimes do a rectal exam, mine did at my first pap. You will be asked to scoot down to the end of the couch and they will put your legs p in stirrups, this is just so they keep yourlegs up out of the way so the dr can do the exam.
2007-09-22 05:55:55 · answer #7 · answered by Susan A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am going to treat this as if you're serious, although I admit to having my doubts. What they do at a smear test is take a small scraping of cells from your cervix. You can feel it, and it might make you feel a little crampy, but it doesn't hurt. You will be asked to remove your trousers and underwear and lay back on a bed with your knees raised and your ankles together, then let your knees fall apart. The doctor or nurse will then take a warmed speculum with KY jelly on it, and gently open you up enough to be able to take the smear. It's undignified and a little embarrassing, but they do it all the time and it's over very quickly. A little embarrassment is sure better than cervical cancer and/or early death. Welcolme to being a woman.
2007-09-22 05:01:05 · answer #8 · answered by f0xymoron 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
It's true but don't be scared - millions of women have it done.
You have to lie down, you're not naked, it's usually done by a female nurse, it's a bit uncomfortable, but will be over quickly. A lot less scary than cervical cancer
2007-09-22 05:00:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
for a start your not naked....... u just take yr clothes off waist down,then u put this sheet over yourself,you lie back and then put a object in u which opens up.....it doesnt hurt just feels a bit weird......then then insert what looks like a bit cotton bud in you to get some cells off your cervix......thats it... it takes a bout 10 mins max.....the more u relax the easier it is and the quicker it will be.....good luck
2007-09-22 05:03:50 · answer #10 · answered by becky d 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋