Tired of painful Pap smears? Worried about your upcoming Pap test? Let’s talk about how to make Pap smears more comfortable!
Every Tuesday I like to post a “Top 10” post with 10 tips about something. And last week I asked on my Facebook Page for some advice to give to a young woman nervous about her first pap smear. Well, all my fans came up with some great advice, so I thought I’d make it into a post!
But first, a little bit of medical info. A pap smear is a medical test where a doctor inserts a speculum (it looks like the picture below) into your vagina, and then uses what looks like a really big Q-tip to take a sample of cells from your cervix. The speculum is kind of like a curling iron. It gets inserted when it’s closed, and then once it’s in, the doctor opens it up to give some space to insert the Q-tip like thing.
The cells are then analyzed to make sure there’s nothing cancerous or pre-cancerous, because cervical cancer can be a REALLY BAD THING. So you honestly do want to get this done.
Doctors start performing Pap smears after you’re sexually active, or at age 21 in the U.S. and 25 in Canada, even if you’re a virgin.
At the same time as they perform the pap smear they usually do an internal exam, inserting their fingers inside and feeling for polyps or growths on the cervix that aren’t necessarily cancer, or for other abnormalities. My doctor has found polyps that I needed removed that way, so it is really necessary to get done.
Seriously, no one likes this. But your health is worth it. So if you have to go through it, how do you make it less UGHHHHH?
1. Know how often you really HAVE to get one done
While a pap smear is necessary, it’s not always necessary every year. People are in different risk categories. If you were a virgin when you were married, for instance, and you married a virgin, your chances of getting cervical cancer are greatly diminished, since most cervical cancers are caused by STDs.
If you’re a virgin and you’re planning on getting married soon, some doctors will want to perform one pre-emptively. It’s okay to ask if it’s really necessary (in many cases it’s not).
And if you’ve had several tests that have come back clear, the guidelines now are to wait a few years before a repeat. However, I’d be wary and look at whether you’re actually in a high risk category or not based on your history.
One woman gives this warning:
Please don’t ever skip it! I know they say if you have had several good ones in a row you can go every three years…not safe! I had good results since I was 18. When I was 24 I found out I had cervical cancer, which fortunately was removed with surgery and I have been clear since. If I had only been going every three years, I might not be here. It’s a little uncomfortable but better that the multiple surgeries and biopsies I had for years!
2. Realize that Your Doctor Has Already Looked at 15-20 Vaginas This Week Already
Seriously. It’s okay. All women have them. You don’t need to be shy.
Here’s a joke I’ve heard before that one fan shared:
There is an old joke about a girl doing crafts with her Mom, glue, paper, glitter etc. Mom says “hurry up and go wash up, I have a Dr.’s appointment”. Minutes later the Mom realizes she should probably wash up as well but it’s too late now for a shower so she just hurries to the bathroom and give herself a quick rinse with a wet cloth and off they go. At the Dr’s office she gowns up and lays on the table in the appropriate position. The Dr. comes in and smiles. He says – “Hmm, went the extra mile for us today, didn’t we?” Thinking he noticed her Brazilian wax job she smiled and nervously said, “I do what I can.” All the way home she pondered this, thinking it very strange. On her way into the bathroom to tidy up after her daughter as she was in a hurry before she noticed the wash cloth on the floor, covered in glitter. The same wash cloth she had used on her quick touch up before seeing the doctor. My advice – stay away from the glitter!
3. Wear Warm Socks–That Match!
I laughed at that piece of advice, but it’s probably a good one! You’re allowed to keep your socks on. And warmer feet do make you less nervous!
So does wearing a sweatshirt or bringing a blanket. Those rooms really can get cold, and it’s hard to relax if you’re shivering.
4. Wiggle Your Toes to Help You Relax–Plus Some Other Tips
The doctor will tell you to scooch your bum down the bed to get close, and to let your legs fall sideways while your feet are in the stirrups (rather than having your legs at right angles). Our instinct is to get as far away as possible and to stay tense. But that just makes the procedure hurt more!
One fan said this:
My CNP did mine and she told me to wiggle my toes. I was so focused on wiggling my toes that the pap didn’t hurt. Usually always is a little uncomfortable for me,but didn’t this time. I’m guessing it helped me to relax.
Who knew?
Another relaxation technique:
Find a tile on the ceiling to stare at or close your eyes. Either way, then before it begins, start taking slow, deep breaths and focus on breathing in for 5, out for 5. This will help you relax. I do it for all paps, blood draws, and internal exams while pregnant.
And talking can help, too. It’s easier to relax if you’re focused on something else. So chat away! One woman writes:
And I like to chat with my doctor and the nurse while it’s going on–about anything else, haha. It makes it seem a lot less awkward.
5. Tell the Doctor If You’re a Virgin
Speculums (those scary looking metal tongs) come in different sizes. Ask for the smaller size if you’re a virgin–or even if you haven’t delivered a child yet.
6. Take Some IbuProfen Beforehand
It helps to ward off cramping, which can happen when the cervix gets too much “attention”. And ibuprofen is better for cramping than acetaminophen, too.
7. Pee Beforehand
Great advice! One fan says:
Also, make sure you don’t have to pee!!! I had to pee when I went for my first pap and relaxed muscles do not go along with trying not to pee on the doctor….
8. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
One fan recommends:
Also, leave room in your schedule to treat yourself afterwards (Starbucks, cupcake, whatever).
9. Get a New Doctor
If your doctor isn’t delicate, and if you leave the office feeling “used”, then try to get a different doctor. Different physicians have different skill sets, and it could be that your doctor just isn’t good at these. I went to a dentist for the first 18 years of my life and everything hurt like crazy. I thought that’s just what a dentist was. Then I moved to a new town, got a new dentist, and was amazed at how procedures didn’t have to hurt.
If you need some TLC, then find a doctor who will give it to you!
One fan tells this story:
When I was 12 weeks pregnant, I’d had a pap. I asked the doctor to “go slow” and he said, “why do you want it to last longer?”
I replied, “no I don’t want it to hurt.”
DEMAND RESPECT! Don’t ever let a doctor/man treat you this way!
It’s inexcusable!
Another fan writes about how a good doctor can make all the difference:
I always had exceptionally uncomfortable paps until i met my doctor. Her name is Jodi Smith. While she inserted the speculum she told me to bear down a little like i was going to sneeze (this was our first visit-and I made her aware I was really sensitive and it usually very uncomfy to have a pap done). I didn’t feel it go in…or out. She took her time (wow this sounds not right). I thought it a fluke until i had a few tests in that region done and it was uncomfy like before. All of her patients say the same thing. We need to clone her and send her throughout the world.
Communication and letting the doctor know its your 1st time or that you’re really sensitive helps ALOT. And ask what techniques they use to get the job done.
10. Keep thinking … It’s 5 minutes out of your year and could save your life.
Don’t avoid it just because you’re nervous. One woman shares this:
I hate paps but 23 years ago it saved my life. One pap found cancer and it was fixing to spread. I was 27. If I hadn’t went to have a pap done I wouldn’t have known till it was to late. Would have never had the chance to see 5 beautiful grands or the chance to raise my son.
A great reminder!
And I’m going to end with this, because it made me snort my tea all over my computer:
So there you go! 10 tips to avoid painful pap smears.
Like this post so far? You should also check out:
What about you? Have any that I missed? Let me know in the comments! Or share your stories about Pap smears.
Sheila Wray Gregoire has been married for 27 years and happily married for 22! She loves traveling around North America with her hubby in their RV, giving her signature "Girl Talk" about sex and marriage. And she's written 8 books. About sex and marriage. See a theme here? Plus she knits. Even in line at the grocery store.
Thanks! Information is so helpful, especially seeing that speculum. I’ll ask for “small” next time, because I qualify.
Definitely. GET THE SMALL! 🙂
Thank you so much for these!! I’m getting one done this coming Monday, and I told the doctor ahead of time that I don’t want to get it done and that I’m terrified, because the last exam on my lady parts was during a rape exam almost two years ago. She knows ahead of time now and can prepare accordingly. I’m still super nervous, but it helped me to communicate that.
Oh, Maggie, how horrible! I’m so sorry about your assault. I’m sure the doctor really wants to make it easy for you, too. I hope some of this helped!
Thank you, Sheila 🙂 I know she will do her best. Thank you for the tips 🙂
I’m so nervous! I’m freaking out now and I know it’s going to happen in the next month or so I stress heaps and tense up and it makes it more uncomfortable I’m just really not looking forward to it I really just want to avoid it or not go!
Oh, I get it! I really do. But when you get scared, replace those thoughts with, “I know it will be unpleasant, but I am an adult woman who wants to take care of my health, and I will get through this.” And start deliberately thinking the positive thoughts instead of letting your mind run away with you!
These are great tips! Thanks, everyone!
I haven’t had a Pap smear yet (first one this summer), but I have PCOS so I went for an internal exam and ultrasound before getting married last August, just to make sure everything was good to go. My Dr. is a Christian and actually does medical missions to treat the horrible effects of female genital mutilation. She didn’t give me a hard time about being a virgin, she went real slow and gentle and we talked about her missions trips and her cute shoes while she did it. I hardly felt a thing.
One tip: bring a pad, especially if you’re a virgin, you may bleed a bit afterward.
One encouragement: If you’re a virgin, you may be tempted to think that sex is like a Pap smear (or worse). When I had an internal exam for the first time it was like 6 weeks before my wedding so that was almost all I could think about. I was very pleased to find that my husband feels nothing like a speculum. The speculum is usually metal, so it’s freezing. Your husband will have body heat like a normal living human. Also, you’re not aroused at the Drs office, but you’ll probably be very aroused on your wedding night. 😉
This was so helpful! Thank you for the reminder and information! 🙂
Oh how timely! I just recently heard from my doctor that I should have gotten these done yearly for the last 6 years! Never mind I was at the doctors throughout those 6 years because of pregnancies… Nobody ever mentioned it. But since I got married as a virgin and never had any STDs or other abnormalities and he said the test could lead to bleeding during the pregnancy I decided to wait until after. But great to know these relaxing tips!
The socks are definitely a good idea. It can be so cold in there!
YES about peeing first! I even ask my doc if I can use the bathroom before undressing. She’s gracious about it.
I’ve only had 2 paps done, and I honestly didn’t think they were that bad. I mean, I don’t look forward to them, but I’d rather do that than go to the dentist!
Try not to pass gas, when having a pap smear. I think the doctor will be most grateful!
Last time I had a pap smear, I had scheduled a massage later that day. It was so nice to have something to look forward to!
Haha I was reading this as I was waiting to have a Pap smear done! I downloaded the headspace app and went through the breathing exercises as I was in the chair waiting for the doctor. I’ve had anxiety problems in the past and getting myself relaxed right before helped SO much.
Yay! So glad the timing worked!
I love it, I always hide my bra and panties. I never even thought about why hide them look what I’m doing! Oh my gosh I will remember that the next time.
I know! Isn’t that funny?
Haha, that’s what stuck out for me too! Bra under a neat pile of clothing.
I think I do it because my undergarments are often old or dirty.
I just had a big laugh at that last one, Sheila!
And I did not know I could ask for smaller “tongs”.. Who knew?? Thanks. Great tips!!
I remember my first pap. It was a few months before I got married, so I went ahead and had one done. I also needed a prescription for birth control pills. I was 22, a virgin, and quite nervous about it. When the doctor (a woman) came in, I told her I was still a virgin. She said to me in a rather snobby and mocking tone, “You must be one of those Christians!” It’s like she didn’t believe me. I didn’t know what to say to her. I was kind of shocked. I just responded rather sheepishly, “Yes, I am. Is there a problem with that?” Once she got down there, I guess she saw I was actually a virgin and she lightened up a bit. She gave me advice on my first time. Now, 24 years later, I would never let a doctor speak to me that way. Paps don’t bother me at all now, especially after all the things I had to go through doing infertility treatments.
Thank you! Exams like these are something I dread about turning 21. Hopefully this will help make it a little easier.
I turned 21 this year and had my first Pap done in August. It wasn’t painful at all, and I’m a virgin. I hope that you aren’t dreading it too much, because it’s really nothing to worry about at all!
So I was rapped when I was young and I never got this done I have panic attacks Every time someone even try to come near my last parts so I’ve never had one before and I’m really scared but my mom is saying I have to have one if I go into the er with my stomick pains what do I do I’m like really terrified
Oh, Menda, I’m so, so sorry! But you know what? You just tell the doctors at the ER. They’re really used to dealing with people who are scared and who have undergone trauma. And you know what? It’s not going to be fun. It’s not going to feel good. But you WILL get through it. And when you do get through it, you’re going to feel so much better about yourself, and you’re going to know that you can take some control back over your life. Just pray as you’re going through it, or what I often do is find something to recite in my head to keep my mind off of what is going on. You can also wear your headphones and listen to music. Anything to help you calm down. But once you get through it–you’ll feel really proud of yourself.
Is the pap smear supposed to feel like your vagina is being burned by acid and set on fire? I’m a virgin and was not expecting it to hurt this badly.
Oh, no, really? No, it isn’t supposed to feel like that. You were likely really tense, or else your hymen was being stretched/broken. I hope it wasn’t that you were tense and your physician pushed anyway; that really shouldn’t happen. I hope you’re okay now!
Also could be a latex issue???
Maybe you had an allergic reaction to the lubricant or something else involved with the procedure? I think of allergies when I hear burning in terms of skin.
No, I’m not allergic to latex. I became tense after the speculum just barely entered my vagina. The pain was so excruciating to the point where I was crying. I’ve had broken bones sticking out in odd directions as a child and never cried. This pap smear was pure torture. now I’m supposed to have another one and now that I know how much it hurts, I know my body will tense up. I used all of the tips listed in this article for my first pap smear and they didn’t help. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do.
Angie, do you NEED a pap smear for sure? Like are you in a high risk category, or has it been a few years since your last one?
Or can you ask if you can insert the speculum yourself? Sometimes that can help, too. I think the big thing is telling your doctor what you’re feeling, and it is okay to say, “slow down”, or “not today”
I’m not in a high risk category. No one in my family has ever had cervical cancer. I’m a virgin. It has been exactly 3 years since my last one. I’m absolutely terrified. No, inserting the speculum myself won’t help because now my body is already expecting it to be painful. I’m trying to erase the memory of my first pap smear, but I’ve been unsuccessful. I have a really strong memory (I still remember details from my life as a 2 year old).
Do you really need one if you’re a virgin? I didn’t know that. I would just talk to your doctor really openly about this, because it seems like it may be overkill if your risk is so low and the possibility for trauma is so high, honestly.
I just had my first (attempted) Pap this afternoon. My doctor warned that as I am a virgin it may be painful to the point where she wouldn’t be able to do it – and sure enough the pain was unbearable and she had to stop. I ended up having a panic attack in the office because of it and cried the rest of the day. I’m terrified my first time having sex will be this painful after having this experience and worried that now my association with this pain will constantly loom over me. I struggle with anxiety so it’s hard for me to break the cycle of negative thoughts.
I’m so sorry, SM! I think the thing to do is to tell yourself that this was a doctor, it wasn’t someone you love. And it really does feel different when it’s a cold hard speculum instead of a man’s body. And you’ll have time to get used to it! Really.
I so wish that doctors didn’t give Pap smears to virgins. There really is very little medical reason for it. So sorry!
I’m so incredibly glad that the nurses do this here in the UK. I have an awesome asthma nurse who also does my Smear test when the time comes. She’s lovely and friendly and gentle, and takes her time. I hear horrible stories all the time from people’s encounters with their doctor.
Also, the best time I’ve had is to wear a skirt. It feels much less exposing to only have to remove underwear.
I had my first one pap smear at 32 last year a couple months before I was married, and the 2nd a year later, last week. My doctor came highly recommended by my BFF, who has had 2 babies delivered by the female doctor. I love the doctor and have seen her 3 times total. She tells it like it is, told me everything I should expect (I was very open about being a virgin and not having a clue about what to expect during the exam–how will they know what we need if we don’t say something?), and kept the conversation away from the matter at hand when she was actually performing the test. It stung (I guess maybe just surprised me) for a second and then all was back to normal. Totally worth it for my health!
I’m 21 and a virgin. I had my first Pap smear and transvaginal ultrasound earlier this year. (Both tests were necessary because I’d been having pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding.) Neither the Pap nor the ultrasound were painful at all, and I didn’t take any Ibuprofen beforehand. I’m shocked that anyone would say that it hurts!
You’re shocked that someone would have a different experience than you? Wow. But you’re young, eventually you’ll realize that not everyone is the same.
Not all bodies are the same. One virgin may naturally be very loose, while another may naturally be very tight. Some women use tampons regularly, others, like myself, are too tight to fit even the most slender tampon through the vaginal opening. Now, after 4 kids, a whole hand can fit through there with no discomfort (I’ve let female med students and residents practice exams on me). On our Honeymoon, it took 3 days of slow, gentle stretching before my newlywed self and husband were able to have intercourse, and it was still very painful. Not everyone will physically feel the same way during a pap smear, just as childbirth is very different for everyone.
Very, very true, Michelle! Thank you!
Hey! Just a note: The official SOGC (Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada) recommendation is that Pap tests should not be done for women who are not sexually active.
Regular testing should start at 21 for those who are sexually active or after the initiation of sexual activity for those who are not sexually active before 21.
And I’m so glad you clarified that, Melissa! For the last few years everyone’s been going back and forth, but like I said, there’s really no need for one before you’re married if you’re waiting for marriage, so let’s not unnecessarily subject women to this! (By the way, hi, Melissa, my friend! 🙂 )
I hate, hate, hate the spread-and-scoot thing. I need a gyno who dispenses valium (maybe just a low dose?) before the test, like some dentists do. Or laughing gas? Something, anything. Because a bottle of wine will make me have to pee.
I mean, it’s so bad I can’t even post this with my usual alias.
Oh, that scoot thing! I know what you mean! You feel like you’re already totally scotted down there, and then they want you to go STILL lower. 🙂
OK, so I never really thought about it before I just posted it, but then I quite liked my idea, so I did a quick google-search, and wanted to share what I read.
-It turns out that a some dentists prescribe benzodiazepines to take before a visit, so maybe one’s gyno or family doctor would as well. I think it’s worth asking about, if any of you are as nervous as I am. I know I will.
Whoops, turns out valium is a benzo, so I just repeated myself. So I’ll just take this opportunity of self-embarrassment to point out that I am not the only woman to post online about wanting meds before a pap smear.
Which makes me wonder, why isn’t this (pre-medicating) more common? I mean, it’s a *vagina*, we’re allowed to be shy or sensitive!
Great idea! Doesn’t hurt to ask.
I did this before my first one. At my practice, the nurses do the smears, but I pretty much broke down in terror when my doctor first brought up the idea. He prescribed me two Lorezepam tablets to take before hand and the result was that I was relaxed (and kinda sleepy!) during that first test. It was quick and didn’t hurt a jot so when I had my second yesterday, I was able to do it drug-free and yes, although still not enjoyable, it was fine, and I feel a lot more confident about it now. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with doing what you need to in order to make it a less stressful experience.
Hello! I’m 16 years old an definitely a virgin, I’ve never done anything sexual with anyone in my life, (which is why the thought of going the gynecologist is distressing) and for the past week straight my pelvic area has been sore and occasionally there are bursts of pain above my hip(both sides, it seems to alternate?). I can’t even wear pant because it’s so sore, and even my loosest fitting sweats hurt. Once they determined it wasn’t my appendix, they recommended a Pap smear and a full visit to the gynecologist. When should i go? My period is in a few days and I read that it’s best to wait 10-20 days after, but I don’t know what to do. Could delaying it for about two weeks and five days cause any issues, like not detecting something in time? I’m worried but i don’t think it’s very likely I’ll have cevical cancer.
Hi, J–
Yikes that sounds awful! I’m so sorry you’re going through that!
My general rule of thumb is to ask the expert. If you want to book an appointment with a gynecologist, call the gynecologist’s office, explain the situation and ask their advice. I’m sure this isn’t the first time they’ve gotten this question, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction!
Hope you’re feeling better soon, and that you can get to the root of the problem!
Thank you so much! I just went for my first ever today and am sorry I didn’t read this thread before. I came home to research if what happened to me was normal. I am still sore now.
I think my doctor assumed that because I’m not a virgin, the size of the speculum didn’t matter, but she obviously did not consider in the fact that I don’t sleep with men — who knew gynaecology could be so heteronormative!
It hurt like nothing has ever hurt before in my life! I even asked her to pause at times just to make the pain ease for a bit, and at one point asked her if I can just rather stop and opt out of the whole thing, because I thought I physically was not going to be able to stand another second of it.
I left the room feeling despondent, and honestly, had the thought that if the time for my next pap smear came, I’d rather risk cancer.
But thanks to these tips, I will switch up my doctor, and communicate my experiences more clearly, so here’s to hoping!
Oh, I’m glad it helped you! I’m sorry for the pain. Look, I’ve had three kids and I STILL hurt a bit. It’s just not a pleasant experience, but you can make it bearable. And don’t be afraid to tell the doctor what you’re feeling!
I discovered that the “small” speculum is not the smallest. Even though I’d asked for the smallest size available, I wasn’t able to tolerate it at all. After shedding many tears, a “pediatric” speculum was located, and it made all the difference – no pain! Now I specifically request the pediatric size.
Oh, great point! Thanks for sharing that!
Angie,
After getting 40 years of paps, I had one like you described. I believe the M.D. didn’t use lubricant. I requested extra. I suggested that a different lub. be used in the future. She said because I haven’t had sex for awhile, that that was the reason for the burning. It was excruciating pain. I almost had her quit the procedure. Normally theres some discomfort and nothing like what I experienced. It has never been anything like that! My vagina was dry after. Usually I have lots of discharge of lubricant after. All the best my friend.
HI. I’m 16 and am going for my first Pap test Monday and I am highly nervous. I have white-coat syndrome and going to a doctors office to get one done for the first time doesn’t help either. What can I do to relax. I always have bowel issues when i go to the doctor because I’m so nervous I run to the bathroom every 10 min. I have had some trauma two years ago when I had a rape test done and that hurt really badly and ever since I have been terrified to have anyone except my twin look down there. What do I do?
I have been afraid to get a Pap smear again especially since I just went into menopause. I’m very dry down there and I’m afraid it will hurt. Is there anyway the gyno can dilate you before doing the Pap smear. Is that a possibility. I remember having a Pap smear shortly after having my daughter while I was still dilated. My cervix had not shrunk all the way back down yet. It was the most comfortable Pap smear I ever had.
Am I the only one that would rather go to the gynecologist every day of my life if it meant I never had to go the dentist again?🤷🏻♀️🤣
I hear you. I do. 🙂
My first couple pap smears were very very painful, I think partially because the doctor used a speculum that was too large, and partially because I am a sexual abuse survivor and really really struggled to relax. My saving grace came in the form of a menstrual cup. I made the switch about 6 moths before my last exam, and the cup allowed me to learn really good muscle control on my own terms. My last exam and pap were totally painless. I hope that helps. 🙂
1ST: My PAPs/Pelvic Exams began @ 18 even though I was (am) a virgin, 20 yrs later. OB/GYN was terrible b/c of racial discrimination (insisting on giving me birth control pills though inactive). When that didn’t work, he made it about acne. Never went again!
2ND: I had gas LOL! Try to get that out b4! GYN 1/2 jokingly said behave after I told her NOT to press on my tummy. I barely made it.
3RD: OB/GYN said, “you’re very small “down there” and he used a small plastic stick with a curvature instead. Made PAP better. I’d never been offered such. I was uncomfortable with scriptures and random baby pics on ceiling. I AM Christian however, that’s the last thing I wanted to see.
Mid-20s I had small ovarian cysts. During an ultrasound, I asked tech to be gentle with the “turkey baster” plz, I’m virgin. She warned me and apologized when she had to press against cysts for images.
PERIOD PAPS: SKIP THEM! CANCEL! GYN’s nurse said to come anyway. I regret it b/c of the look of disgust both had.
ADVICE:
1. Be honest w/GYN. If you’re nervous, say! Ask for what YOU want! You’re the PT!
2. Ask ppl you trust for recommendations and why. I did for 3rd and kept him 7 yrs. I should’ve started that way.
3. Take someone with you if you need to.
4. Don’t be afraid to joke with GYN! GYN explained results. He said, “everything looks good down there.” My response: “thanks, my gf thinks so too.” LOL…you should see his face turn red. He’s a conservative Christian. If I’ve gotta feel some kinda way naked in front of you, so do you lol.
4. LGBTQ PATIENTS: ONLY use GYN’s comfortable w/ALL of you! Ask if they are in person. Just b/c they say yes, doesn’t mean they are. Gauge for yourself. I felt punished by 4TH GYN (a pastor). I was limited to the free clinic. She HAMMERED a plastic applicator in. I’d NEVER been sore or in pain after a pap…3 days and I thought something was wrong!
5. I took a Buspar before 1 exam…it helped me relax!
6. Don’t go back to work or class after exam! You feel violated and just want to be alone.
7. Don’t assume LGBTQ or FEMALE GYNs are empathetic. Mine ignored my request; wasn’t gentle, and was mad b/c I squirmed in pain. I took it b/c I needed bc for period cessation and was out, but I regret it. She stopped practicing 6 months later!
I’m 38 and on 5TH GYN referred by PCP! She told her I’m lesbyn and it made GYN assume I was sexually assaulted and act weird. I corrected her. I have my 1st PAP with her in 4 months. She was nice about discussing reproductive genetics.