May I keep my socks and/or shoes on during my exam? Yes. Socks and shoes may be left on, but all other clothing items need to be removed for the exam. Why do pap smears and vaginal exams sometimes hurt?
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.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove and put back on. Avoid wearing tight pants or leggings that may be difficult to take off. Consider wearing a skirt or dress that you can easily lift up. Wear underwear that is easy to remove and put back on.
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.
If you are getting a Pap test, you can take steps to make sure the test results are accurate. Avoid intercourse, douching, and using vaginal medicines or spermicidal foam for 2 days before the test. If you had sex before the test, go to the appointment as planned and let the doctor know.
Do not use douche, bubble bath, or use vaginal medicine for three days before Pap test. You may shower, but do not tub bathe 24 hours before the Pap test. Inform your clinician about additional medications/conditions that may interfere with an accurate test.
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.
Avoid personal lubricants and douches for 48 hours before your appointment. Refrain from sexual intercourse for 48 hours before your appointment. Drink plenty of water the day of your appointment. You may need to give a urine sample.
Crying during a pap smear is a relatively common occurrence and nothing to be ashamed of. Pap smears can be uncomfortable or even painful for some women, but there are steps you can take to make the experience more comfortable.
There are many different physical and psychological reasons why a smear test might hurt or be very uncomfortable. You'll probably find it difficult if you have a condition like vulvodynia or endometriosis, or if you've been through the menopause and you're experiencing vaginal dryness.
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.
They will study it under a microscope to look for abnormal cells. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your cervix to heal after this procedure.
Yes. Doctors recommend routine cervical cancer screening, regardless of your sexual history. Tests used to screen for cervical cancer include the Pap test and the HPV test.
Preparations Before the First Pap Smear Test
Wear something comfortable and easy to remove. Your doctor may ask to remove clothes from the waist down, but others ask their patient to remove all clothes, especially when they suggest a breast exam.
Douching with mixtures of fluids, soaps, intimate hygiene gels, antibacterial soap, or other products can also affect the vaginal pH and distort test results. Gynecologists don't recommend douching at all because it can disrupt the normal balance of vaginal flora and its natural acidity.
Pap Smear Procedure
It takes about 10-20 minutes for the whole exam, but only a few minutes for the actual Pap smear. The test is done in your doctor's office or clinic. You'll lie on a table with your feet placed firmly in stirrups.
It's totally normal for women to experience a little bit of discomfort following a pelvic exam, especially if it's their first one. It's also common for women after a pap test to have mild cramping and/or light bleeding for a couple of days after a pap test (smear).
Try to relax your body with breathing exercises or music.
“The biggest thing that a woman can do to make a Pap smear easier is to relax during the speculum exam, if she can,” says Dr. Christianson. A slow, deep breathing exercise—like one you would do during meditation—may help.
A pap smear can cause irritation and micro-tears in the vaginal tissue, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. The symptoms of UTI after a pap smear are similar to those of a regular UTI.
bring something that is comforting or helps you relax, for example a music player or magazine. wear a skirt or dress as you can keep these on during the test. make plans for after your appointment, for example treating yourself to something nice and relaxing.
Practice slow, deep breathing. Try to relax your shoulders, your stomach muscles and the muscles between your legs. Your provider should already be describing each step of the exam, but you can ask for more explanation or for them to go more slowly.