Hi.
I'm 13 (14 in feb) and I got my period last year around this time of the year. I've begun to have basically regular periods. I was just reading another question and someone said that you had to get pap smears annually the year you get your period. But when i went to my check up over the summer they said i didnt have to get one until i was 18. I've also read you dont have to get them until you're sexually active (which im not)
Also, what do you do at the OBG-YN? Does a pap smear hurt?
does anything they do hurt?
IM SCARED!!
thanks
TARA
2007-12-28 06:38:56 · 12 answers · asked by Major Madness 3 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Talk to your doctor and see what he/she recomends for a pap.
Paps dont hurt, they are just embarassing and s little uncomfortable. Not going to lie to you. Some things they can do, MAY hurt, but a lot of it, is just being uncomfortable.. If you are really worried about it, talk to your mom, or an older lady you trust.. They will help you..
2007-12-28 06:42:51 · answer #1 · answered by Chika Bay 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Don't be scared! If you are still a virgin you don't need regular paps yet, unless you have other problems (pain, etc). If you feel healthy and fine down there, you don't need to go yet.
That said, once you are sexually active (or reach about 18), you should start going. Is it a fun experience that women look forward to? No. But I'd rather go to the GYN than the dentist.
When you go, you lay back and put your feet up in stirrups, they insert an instrument (called a speculum) into your vagina. This isn't painful, it's just a little awkward. They look around to make sure all is well, and they rub a swab against your cervix. This isn't painful either, though you can feel that something is going on. I find it's more just weird feeling. Then they remove the instrument, and your dr will use his/her fingers to examine your ovaries. Again, not painful. It sorta feels like a slight cramp in your lower stomach. Then they're done. I'd bet the whole thing takes a little more than 5 minutes.
Overall, don't be worried. I'd say the worst part is that it's a little embarrassing to have someone looking at such a private area, but remember, that person's your doctor, it's their job, and they've seen it all :)
2007-12-28 06:58:50 · answer #2 · answered by aperelta4185 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The current guidelines for paps is to start at the age of 18 or when you commence sexual relations.....or if you are having gynecological problems, and then get one annually. If you're normal and healthy, then you don't need to go now.
That being said however, it might be a good idea to make an appointment with an OB/GYN for a DISCUSSION. They won't do an exam, but they CAN answer all your personal questions (you know -- the ones you are too embarrassed to ask Mom), and show you the implements used and how they're used, and show you how a self-breast exam is done and what to look for.
Gynecology is NOTHING to be afraid of...and this is a prime opportunity to learn something useful for your future well-being.
2007-12-28 06:46:57 · answer #3 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi Tara. No, you don't have to get checkups or pap smears until you become sexually active, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. Pap smears check for abnormal cells on the cervix that are caused by genital warts (HPV). The new vaccine, Gardacil, is supposed to protect you against most strands of cancer-causing warts. So you might want to get that shot now.
2007-12-28 06:58:42 · answer #4 · answered by Q 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tara- usually you don't get pap smears until you are sexually active. You don't HAVE to go to an OBGYN. You can go to your regular doctor.
What a pap smear does is they take cells from your cervix and check to see if there are any irregular cells. Its uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt. Kinda like cleaning your ears out. Can be uncomfortable. I took my mom with me the first time. Tell the doctor if he hurts you, you will fart on him. ha ha But sends a message.
There are new immunizations that help with cancer.
2007-12-28 06:48:54 · answer #5 · answered by froglady972 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, Tara, don't be scared. If you lose your virginity before you're 18, you should begin annual pap smears, however, if you remain a virgin, then you would see a gyno at age 18. Pap smears do not hurt. All they do is swipe a cotton swab against you cervix, nothing painful.
2007-12-28 06:44:03 · answer #6 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really think, you should talk your mom or any female that you trust. They will tell you about few things about OBG/YN and pap smear. You will have to wait till 18. You don't need worry about it now.
2007-12-28 06:52:31 · answer #7 · answered by sabrinaelder 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't get my first one until i was 19 and going on birth control. If you start to have sex well before you turn 18 I would recommend goin in for one. If you get on brith control someday, you have to go in once a year anyway to get a checkup and a new perscription. Its always a good thing to do cause they can catch things early like cervical cancer and what not. It doesn't hurt its just akward and you'll obviously be scarred cause its your first time but they will walk you through it and tell you everything they are doing. But no, it doesn't hurt (the little contraptions they use might be cold tho!)
2007-12-28 06:46:47 · answer #8 · answered by <3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The test don't hurt and no you do not have to see a obgyn until you do start having sex or if you hold off until 18 than you can got and get your check up! Any time you should go before that is if you want to get on the pill or you are having pain down there!
2007-12-28 06:43:04 · answer #9 · answered by !!Just Peachy!! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I know, you only need to go get a pap smear if your sexually active, if your not then your fine.
2007-12-28 06:43:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋