(no subject)

[http://users.livejournal.com/-streetlights/]

I have been on birth control for over a year now, but I never went in for a Pap because my mom is a Dr. and she would just give me samples that she got from the office. But now they dont give samples anymore so I have to go get a Pap, next friday,probably ( i am on my period right now)

But I just want to know what to expect, and like what they do? Thanks so much. I am REALLY nervous about this. ( i felt weird asking my mom about it)


x-posted to birthcontrol and menstrualhut

Comments

[stripling.livejournal.com]

the idea of the pap is kind of scary until you get one, and you're like "oh... that's all? that was pretty easy".

basically, you go in, they give you a paper robe, ask you to take off your pants & undies and unhook or fully remove your bra (this is if they're doing a breast exam as well). Then you jump up on the table. The doc then comes in, asks you to lie down on the table, and scoot down so your butt is right at the edge of the table and your feet in the stirrups. Then he/she will put lubricant on the speculum (basically a weird looking metal thing that is often referred to as "ducklips" because that's what it looks like), and if they're a nice doc, they'll warm it up in warm water first (the metal can be chilly!), then in it goes, and the doc will gently adjust it so it opens up your vaginal canal so your cervix is visible/swabbable. Then a really long q-tip gets a swab to be sent to the lab, and then out comes the speculum. The speculum is the most uncomfortable part of the whole thing, but the more relaxed you are, the less ouchy it is.

The doc may do some poking around on your stomach to feel your ovaries, etc. Then the breast check which is pretty quick- pretty much poking at your breasts like hamburger patties to check for lumps/irregularities.

And that's pretty much it! I usually am weirded out at first even though I've had a bunch of paps, but I have a great doctor, and we're always cracking jokes the whole time. I ask any period/vaginal health questions while i'm in there too, which takes my mind off the actual exam.

Hope that was helpful? Good luck!

[autumn-sylver.livejournal.com]

They also take a sample with a little plastic brush that they brush around your cervix to get some cells to look at under the microscope. I guess all doctors don't do that.

[http://users.livejournal.com/-streetlights/]

That was very helpful. Thanks!

[myselftheliar.livejournal.com]

it takes 5 seconds and feels like a pinch. don't worry about it.

[iworshipsatin.livejournal.com]

Paps are super easy. If you're scared, do what my sister does and ask for the child speculum. It takes about 5 minutes. They insert the speculum, swab your cervix and then insert a finger and press down on your stomach to feel the position of your uterus.

[geminigirl]

You might also want to check out firstvisit.org which will give you a rather detailed explanation of what to expect.