What should I expect during a Pap smear?

Question

Tomorrow I am getting my first Pap smear done and I am really nervous because I've heard that they are really uncomfortable. What should I expect during it, like how long do they usually take, and what all do they do during it? Thanks in advance for your answers. 😁

Answer

Let's start with this:
The purpose of a Pap smear is to test for cancerous, pre-cancerous, or any other abnormal cells that could be problematic.  
The procedure IS uncomfortable but should NOT be painful.  Slow deep breathing and relaxation are key to making the experience as easy and 'comfortable' as it can be!

Once you're in the exam room, you will be given a towel or sheet and asked to remove the clothing below your waist, including your panties, and then lay on the exam table on your back with the towel/sheet covering your lower half and wait for the doctor.

RELAX and BREATHE
The doctor will insert an instrument, called a speculum, into your vaginal opening to hold the walls of your vagina open so that the doctor can easily see/examine your upper vagina and cervix.   
*the speculum may cause some pressure and/or discomfort but should not be painful*

Once the speculum is in place, the doctor will use a small swab, brush, or thin spatula to take a small scraping of cells from your cervix to be examined under a microscope
*again, this may feel  quite uncomfortable it should not be painful*

Once the sample is obtained, the speculum will be removed and you can put your clothes back on.

SOME, not all, doctors will take a separate swab during your pap to test for STD's and STI's at the same time; some will do a breast exam at the same time aswell. I highly recommend you request an STD/STI test, as well as a breast exam, to be done every year at the same time as your pap.

*some women experience a small amount of spotting after their pap so bring a panty liner with you incase your dr doesn't provide one*

What should I expect during a Pap smear?

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