Sedation options are available to all patients. You need to make these arrangements before your visit. Because you may be drowsy after your procedure, you will need a ride home. Your doctor gives you a single medication to lower pain or to help you relax.
The short answer to this question is, yes, you can be sedated to get a pelvic exam and Pap smear. This is not common practice however, and usually only done when there is suspected clinical concern and a routine exam is not possible.
Nitronox™ isn't general or local anesthesia; it's a relaxant that helps you stay calm during your procedure. The system uses a face mask or breathing mouthpiece to deliver the mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to you during exams or procedures.
Speak to the doctor or nurse about your concerns, letting them know if you have any relevant conditions or experiences that could make your smear more uncomfortable or painful. Ask to lie in a different position that's more comfortable. Ask for a smaller speculum. Ask for lubricant.
Relaxing your muscles and taking deep breaths during the pelvic exam – this might seem obvious but it can be easy to forget to breathe during your pelvic exam, especially if you are nervous or are experiencing any pain. Deep breathing can help your muscles and your mind relax.
Speculums come in a range of sizes. If you feel that you require a smaller speculum, just ask your doctor.
Ask you to lie on your back and relax. Press down on areas of the lower stomach to feel the organs from the outside. Help you get in position for the speculum exam. (You may be asked to slide down to the end of the table.)
During this part of the exam, the size and shape of the uterus and ovaries are checked. Any tender areas or unusual growths are noted. After the vaginal exam, your doctor might insert a gloved finger into your rectum. This is done to check for tenderness, growths or other unusual signs.
Pelvic examination under anesthesia (EUA) is performed when a patient cannot be adequately examined without sedation or general anesthesia (eg, for reasons of physical or psychological discomfort) or to provide information that will help guide a subsequent surgical procedure.
You may have a cervical biopsy in a healthcare provider's office, as an outpatient, or during a hospital stay. Some biopsy procedures only need local anesthesia. Other need regional or general anesthesia. The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices.
The treatment involves removing a small disc-shaped piece of tissue containing these abnormal cells. This procedure will be carried out in the day care unit under a general anesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure.
If you let the nurse or GP know prior, they could prescribe you some Valium or Diazepam which would help to relax you, but this would not put you to sleep. You could also take some painkillers beforehand if you wish.
Why does a speculum hurt so much? Pain may be a sign that your muscles are overly tense or that you have a condition that's making the experience painful. To prevent pain, communicate your concerns and relevant health information to your provider. Let them know at any point if you're experiencing pain.
Women's vaginas come in different sizes and you might be suffering through a pap smear because the speculum is too large. You can always ask for a smaller speculum to help reduce the discomfort of the test. Ask to put it in yourself, too, if you think this will make the test easier.
Cervical exams can be painful or uncomfortable, especially for people who have a history of trauma or pelvic floor pain or dysfunction. Many people find that their genital areas are more sensitive late in pregnancy.
Speculum insertion can be associated with considerable discomfort during routine pelvic examination. Physiologically, vaginal entry requires lubrication. However, traditional teaching recommends, if anything, warm water only for lubrication, because lubricants are believed to interfere with Pap and infection tests.
Lidocaine jelly may also cause some partner numbness. Lidocaine ointment and jelly can be used for everyday activities that cause pain, such as inserting a tampon, having a pap smear, visiting your physical therapist or riding a bike.
“Fear and anxiety of having a pelvic exam is probably the single most common reason that people avoid cervical screenings,” Dr. Shah told us. “Other reasons are lack of knowledge of the purpose of screening, lack of resources, past history of physical abuse.
Anxiety medication can be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider who is trained in medicine and pharmacology. These medications are often prescribed by psychiatrists, but other doctors, like family medicine doctors, internal medicine doctors, and OBGYNs, may also prescribe them.
Many doctors, including ob-gyns, are being trained to recognize signs of anxiety and depression. With a few questions, we can help gauge how you're feeling emotionally. While all women should be screened annually for anxiety and depression, it is especially important for pregnant women and new moms.