Pap Smears

[moonangel]

I don't know if that's what they call them where you're from (wherever that is), but basically I'm talking about the appointments you're supposed to make every 2 years while you're sexually active, to test for cervical cancer and other things. The thought of it sends shivers down my spine, some man or woman staring down between my legs, taking a sample from there and testing it. Then waiting for the results ... ugh.

I can't bear it! I have this fear of doctors. I won't go to a doctor unless I'm practically on my deathbed. And a gynocologist! God, the thought really petrifies me.

So girls, I really want some feedback here - have you ever had a Pap Smear? What was it like?

Because I just keep putting it off, and I KNOW I have to get one. I've been sexually active for two years now. And also, I'm embarrassed about my parents knowing ...

[BigJim]

nicruns had an amazing story on these pap smears in the old archives... not sure if i can recover it.

but maybe nicruns might relate it again?

[GoodWitchOfTheNorth]

Well, I'm a virgin who's never been fingered or anything, and had only just recently started using tampons regularly at the time of the test; so it hurt. A lot. But the actual part where they took the sample from my cervix or whatever just tickled a little... it was the thing in my vagina that I had a problem with. But, if you've been sexually active for two years, that probably wouldn't be a problem for you.

[Am I tight or not?]

Well, I'm a virgin who's never been fingered or anything, and had only just recently started using tampons regularly at the time of the test; so it hurt. A lot. But the actual part where they took the sample from my cervix or whatever just tickled a little... it was the thing in my vagina that I had a problem with. But, if you've been sexually active for two years, that probably wouldn't be a problem for you.


ummm, I don't think they're supposed to do that part of the test if you're a virgin, just an external test!

what moron doctor did you go to???

[miz erotika]

i get to get one done as well....i was at the gyno yesterday for the counseling session (i guess you're supposed to have an information session before they can give you any birth control) and she said you had to get it done once every year.

[kuju]

technically, you're supposed to get the every year once you're sexually active, and every year once your 16, though it's generally 18 now.

that means, that even if you're sexually INactive, you should be getting checked once a year.


It's an uncomfortable process, but it's quick. You don't HAVE to go to a gyno, your family doctor can do it. Either way, go to a WOMAN! Basically, they'll leave the room, or put a curtain around you and ask you to take off your pants and underwear, and then cover yourself with a cloth. In no particular order, they'll do the follow.

1. Feel your ovaries. this is probably the most psychologically uncomfortable thing they do, because it involves actually sticking their GLOVED fingers up your vagina. They use lube, it should hurt much, though there might be a little dull pain because she'll also be pushing down on your stomach.

2. Take a few swabs. She'll put a speculum into your vagina. For me it was a metal device that pries open the vagina and hold it there. But apparently plastic is used now as well, which thankfully means it's not as COLD and METALLIC. that was the weird part for me. there will be a VERY TINY pinch on your cervix to take the swab, which checks for cervical cancer. a couple of other swabs will also be taken for chlamydia and gonnerhea and other STDs. This entire process takes only a little over a minute. try to relax as much as possible. Close your eyes and breathe slowly.

3. There many also be a breast exam. just close your eyes until it's over with. These are necessary medical exams for YOUR well being. The doctor probably wants it over with as much as you.

if you have any other questions, feel free to post or PM me.

[Tootsie Pop]

When i had my first visit, I simply closed my eyes, relaxed as much as i could and thought of other things, and I didnt feel a thing. (not even the supposed pinch of the pap smear...) Just relax... its quick. The doctor looks at women for a living. She/he has seen more vaginas than any man whore. Dont be self concious, they wont look at you and think that you are not normal or anything because like I said, hes seen many many other girls. Its not a bad experiance at all. No worries.

[Klounn]

Either way, go to a WOMAN!


Why go to a woman, my mom had to get those and we don't have any girl doctors down where I live so I said to her, "Are you going to try to find a girl doctor?" and she said, "No, I couldn't think of a girl touching me down there."

So would you WANT a guy doctor????

[Tootsie Pop]

Personally I feel more comfortable with a woman. If it were a man its just awkward. Since hes a guy and Im a girl stripping for him it just seems strange. Plus he doesnt have a vagina, how could he possibly know what its like. At least with a woman you know that she knows what its like and will be gentle. I dont care if a woman "touches me down there." Its not like there is this weird sexual tension between us....

[GoodWitchOfTheNorth]

ummm, I don't think they're supposed to do that part of the test if you're a virgin, just an external test!

what moron doctor did you go to???


Well, I was going for medical reasons... whacked-out out of control irregualr periods. Turns out I had a million ovarian cysts.

[kuju]

Ovarian cysts are NOT fun. having many is probably having many small ones. I had one just over a year ago that was the size of a walnut. I got a horrible pain in Sept, and couldn't walt for a few days. that was it growing. I was in constant dull pain for months, had to get several ultrasounds, was afraid I was going to get addicted to painkillers, and it finally went away... in January. bloody hell that was.

[moonangel]

Thanks guys. :)

I'm not particularly fussed over the sex of the doctor, whether it's a man or a woman, it's still gonna bother me either way, ANYONE doing that stuff is going to bother me. So yeah. That's not a huge deal. One doctor I did talk to, she said, "It's not a big deal for us, looking into someone's vagina is just like looking in their mouth. It's just common practice." (Gross, I can't believe she compared it to a mouth).

Wow, I can't believe they can actually reach your ovaries with their hand. Ugh, anyway now the hard part, and the most vital, is making that appointment. Guess I just gotta do it.