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 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.
No, you don't need to shave for your Pap smear. Your healthcare provider will be able to perform the test regardless of whether you have hair in the area. However, if you prefer to shave or trim your pubic hair, you can do so if it makes you feel more comfortable.
A person planning to do a pap test should avoid masturbating before a Pap smear, mainly to prevent penetrative masturbation, which may include inserting a sex toy into the vagina or the fingers. Penetrative masturbation can cause inflammation of the tissues in the vagina, which can interfere with the pap smear results.
Should I shave my pubic hair before a Pap test? Nope, this isn't necessary. Whether you are shaved, waxed or all natural it's all the same when getting a Pap.
Nope! You do not need to shave before a gynecologist appointment (or any doctor's appointment!). Your doctor doesn't care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn't a health or hygiene concern. They've seen it all, and how you style (or don't style) your pubic hair probably won't even register.
A bacterial or yeast infection. Inflammation in the pelvic area. Normal cellular changes that occur with age. Pre-cancerous changes (cervical dysplasia) that often go away on their own.
Preparing for a Pap Smear Test
You can shower, but don't tub bathe for 24 hours before the test. Refrain from having intercourse for at least two days before the test.
Should I have a shower before I get a smear test? Up to you! You don't have to, there is no medical reason that you should. Showering or not showering will not affect the test in any way.
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.
Start Pap smears at age 21
It's important to note that even if you're technically a virgin, you could still be at risk. If you have any kind of intimate skin-to-skin contact with another person, you could contract HPV.
Also, make sure to schedule your exam for a day when you won't be on your period. 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.
Do You Have To Shave Before A Smear Test? No. You do not need to remove any body hair before a smear test. It may seem embarrassing due to societal stigma around body hair, but doctors and nurses are used to seeing different types of vaginas and their only aim is to ensure that yours is healthy.
It is quite common for patients to experience light bleeding or spotting after a Pap smear. More severe bleeding and cramping is less common and may suggest there is a bigger issue present. Symptoms which can be concerning include the following: Bleeding for more than three days.
Your health care provider will perform the Pap test during a pelvic exam in a private room in his or her office. It takes only a few minutes. The test may be uncomfortable, but it is not usually painful. You may experience less discomfort if you empty your bladder before the examination.
Yes. Most health care providers permit patients to bring a friend or family member into the exam room with them.
Pap smears are very simple. First, your doctor will place you in the correct position – sitting in a chair with your feet comfortably placed in the stirrups. For the first time, this position may feel awkward but this particular position allows for the doctor to get a good view of your cervix.
In addition, a Pap may check for certain sexually transmitted infections, such as, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas. Some Pap tests also evaluate for infections such as Yeast and Bacterial Vaginosis.
There may also be a slight increased risk of a person developing a yeast infection following a Pap smear due to the introduction of the speculum and lubricant to the vaginal microbiome.
Abnormal Pap smear results are common. According to the National Institutes of Health, 3.8% of Pap tests come back abnormal.
Your pubis is your own business. But pubic hair was put there to protect your genitalia from friction and infection. It is more hygienic not to shave it (although depilation does make pubic lice homeless).
According to the researchers, when asked if they removed their pubic hair, 80% of women and 39% of men removed their pubic hair near the time of the survey. Also, 3% of women and 21% of men had never removed their pubic hair. Lesbian women reported slightly more often than heterosexual or bisexual women.
Shaving is one way to remove pubic hair — if it's done right and you're very careful. Shaving is fairly inexpensive, and you can do it yourself. Go slowly, pulling skin taut before running the razor over the hair. Always shave in the same direction that the hair grows, not against it.