What should I expect at my first Pap smear?

What do they do at your first pap smear?

The provider will gently insert a tool called a speculum into your vagina. It looks similar to a duck bill and is used to spread the vagina slightly so the provider can collect a sample of cells from your cervix with a small soft brush. The Pap test usually lasts only a few minutes. You can expect mild sensations.

How do I survive my first pap smear?

Smear test top tips: How to make cervical screening more…
  1. Time your appointment with your period.
  2. Wear comfortable clothes.
  3. Ask for a woman to do the test.
  4. Ask for a smaller speculum.
  5. Put the speculum in yourself.
  6. Ask to change position.
  7. Don’t use lubricant.
  8. Use painkillers if necessary.

Should you shave before a pap smear?

It doesn’t take much to prepare for a pap smear. Some women may feel like they need to shave their pubic hair, but it’s unnecessary for this test. You should only tackle it if you’ll be more comfortable. Your doctor has seen it all, so a little bit of pubic hair won’t bother him.

What do I need to know before a pap smear?

How To Prepare For a Pap Smear?
  • Avoid sexual intercourse at least two days before the test.
  • Make sure not to use any vaginal medicines, douches, foams, creams, or gels two days before your Pap smear test since they can wash away any abnormal cells or obscure the test results.

How do you feel after your first Pap smear?

It doesn’t hurt, but again, the sensation will be a little odd. After the samples are collected and transferred and the speculum is removed, you are all done! Your doctor will give you a chance to clean up and get dressed again before your appointment resumes.

What can you not do after a Pap smear?

Avoid sex and don’t use a tampon in the two to three days following a Pap smear if you’re experiencing bleeding. The additional pressure may cause bleeding to start again or become heavier.

Why did my Pap smear hurt so much?

When Pap smears are uncomfortable, it’s often because there’s a sensation of pressure in the pelvic region. Urinating beforehand can relieve some of this pressure. In some cases, your doctor might request a urine sample, so be sure to ask if it’s OK to use the restroom beforehand.

Should I be nervous for a Pap smear?

Everyone is nervous about it.

You do not want to find yourself worrying about being nervous, only to make yourself more so. Even people who work in healthcare and have some idea of what to expect are nervous about this first visit. Tell your doctor that it is your first time with a gynecologist.

How long do Pap smears take?

Pap Smear Procedure

The test is done in your doctor’s office or clinic. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll lie on a table with your feet placed firmly in stirrups. You’ll spread your legs, and your doctor will insert a metal or plastic tool (speculum) into your vagina.

Is it normal to get wet at the Obgyn?

Wet at the gynae | Health24. There is nothing wrong with you. Your body’s natural response of lubrication in this particular case has nothing to do with whether you are aroused by your doctor or the examination itself. Also, some women lubricate more than others and that is normal too.


What do you wear during a Pap smear?

Because you will need to remove all clothing from the waist down for a Pap smear, you might consider wearing a dress or skirt so that all you have to take off is your underwear and shoes, but this is purely a personal preference. It may be just as easy for you to slip out of a pair of jeans, slacks, or sweatpants.

Is Pap smear painful?

Is Pap smear test painful? Pap Smear test is not painful, but due to the complexity of the procedure involved in collecting cervical cells, there is an uncomfortable feeling during and after the process, which might persist for a few hours.

What should I avoid before a Pap smear?

Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells. Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. It’s best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible.

How can I relax during a Pap smear?

Be Comfortable

Don’t come in for your pap smear in your tightest pair of jeans and a body-hugging top. You need to have a sense of comfort to help you relax before and during the test. Wear comfortable clothing so you feel comfortable, and ask for a woman doctor, too, if that eases your mind. Be as relaxed as you can.

Do they check for STDs in a Pap smear?

A Pap smear can’t detect STDs. To test for diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider takes a sample of fluid from the cervix. Fluid isn’t the same as cervical cells. Blood tests can also identify certain STDs.