It’s kind of embarrassing to admit considering I’m 21 and I’ve been sexually active since 18, but I’ve never gotten a Pap smear.

I know, I know. It’s important to stay on top of your reproductive health. But at the time I started becoming sexually active (monogamous, same partner for 3 years, both clean) I started BC (Depo-Provera) and it totally made my period whack so scheduling an appointment was always difficult. My appointment would arrive but so would my period so I had to reschedule, and repeat. So the appointment would get pushed back further and further until I forgot about rescheduling.

Anyways, that’s besides the point.

My question is: how do you prepare for a Pap? I’m gonna be making the appointment soon for the Pap smear and chlamydia screening, but I realized I have no idea how to get myself ready for it. I’m not worried about physical preparations; I know the most I should do is shower lol.

My concern is that my anxiety is gonna get the best of me, as it always does, so how can I mentally get myself ready for the exam?

Thanks in advance. 💕