I'm a 23-year-old who's never had penetrative sex, and I'm going for my first OBGYN visit tomorrow for a pelvic exam. I've been so nervous leading up to it that I almost cancelled it, but my sister convinced me not to. I've heard that it's pretty painful for virgins, and I'm prone to having panic attacks when I feel invaded. Thankfully the gynecologist I will be seeing helped my sister during her pregnancy. My sister assured me she is very nice and will do everything she can to make me feel comfortable.

A part of me is worried that this experience will be so traumatic that I will associate penetration with pain and anxiety, and it will be more difficult for me and my future husband. I'm getting married next year so I can't wait to have sex and be penetrated by someone I actually do want inside me lol. I understand getting worked up about it will make it a self-fulfilled prophecy.

How were your all's experiences getting Pap smears, especially if you were a virgin? What did you do to relax during the procedure?