Pap smear first timer?
444693
You know, sweetie, I've worked in the medical field for 20 years and I've lost count of the girls coming for their first pap.  Here's what I tell them -\n\nFirst, you're doing the right thing.  So many simple things that can become bad things are discovered in a pap smear and prevented.  Plus if you're doing this to get birth control - bravo!  There's no shame in that, sex is the most natural thing in the world and you're taking control of your own life.\n\nSecond, and just as importantly - the human body is nothing to be ashamed of.  The doctor doesn't think any more of looking in your vagina than looking down your throat, and believe me, he's seen thousands.  It's so routine and is conducted so professionally that you should not feel embarrassed.  And everybody's pretty much looks the same.\n\nDeep breaths, try to relax and remember - it's the first thing that distinguishes you as a woman as opposed to a girl.  We all go through it, and after that first one you'll wonder what the fuss was about.
619563
You mean pap smears? Not really.A doctor has a speculum to open the vaginal area. It's a bit cold. Then he pries open your vagina which really doesn't hurt. Then he sticks a swab up there. What would hurt worse would be having cancer I imagine. If this small test that lasts about 15 minutes tops can detect early cancer then its very much worth it.
255081
No, it's not painful.  The gynecologist will probably first feel around on the outside of your body - at your uterus.  Then, the doctor will look at your external vaginal area.  After that, the doctor will put some lubricant on his/her glove and insert one or two fingers inside of your vagina.  The doctor is checking to see how your uterus is positioned and perhaps for any anomalies within your vagina, uterus and cervix.  Next the doctor will insert a speculum - this is an instrument that, one inserted, can be adjusted to widen the opening to your vagina.  The doctor will then take a swab of your cervix so it can be tested for cervical cancer.  The doctor will remove the speculum and you'll be done!\n\nThere is really nothing to it.  It only lasts for about 5 minutes.  The first time will probably be a bit embarrassing for you, but just know that the doctor has done this hundreds if not thousands of times.\n\nGood luck!
1072516
I think you should be around 16. I waited way too long. When you get there, you need to undress and put the gown on with the opening in the front. He will then examine your breasts for lumps. Next, he will use a speculum(sp) which kinda spreads you way apart and keeps you apart until he's finished. He'll take a pap smear, just a swab of a Qtip on the sides. His hand will go up inside and his other hand will feel on your belly to see where your uterus is. He'll also ask you some questions. It's not as bad as it may sound.
401849
Make sure you get regular pap tests. Your doctor might want to check to make sure you don't have any STD'S or a  Urinary Tract infection.
784591
To obtain a pap smear the doctor takes "smears" of tissue and fluid from your vaginal walls and cervix.  Those smears are stained on a glass slide and then looked at under a  microscope.  If the examiner sees any cellular irregularity, you are asked to return and retest.  It could be cancer, it could be an infection, it could be an overgrowth of yeast, it could be any number of things.  Don't jump to conclusions, just go and repeat the test.
173921
abnormal pap smear I believe. possible cancer, wouldn't worry too much unless the next one is worse.
784601
Yes. It is perfectly safe to have the pap smear done. Not only safe, but sensible.  You could have an infection from the miscarriage, and would certainly want to have the all clear before you tried again.  Anytime after your cycles reset and the normal pattern resestablishes itself you can have one done.  You might also want to check with your doctor, as it is quite possible that a pap smear was taken when they did the first ob check.  If that was the case, you won't need to do another one for a year.
578473
It is no big deal, you do need a yearly pap test especially if you are sexually active.You don't have to worry about being shy just remember they do this for a living your vagina is not the only one they are looking at that day.No it's not creepy.I remeber my first time I was little nervous but once they did it it went so fast it was like no big deal.Good luck
275316
Um, I think ya mean Pap Smears. The Doc places an instrument into the vagina to hold the vagina walls open, then inserts a long swab to collect a tissue sample to be analyzed by a lab. The whole procedure takes less than 5 minutes, and is slightly uncomfortable, but not painful. A pap smear is recommended at the start of your first menstrual cycle, then once every two years there on.
380625
Start when your period does. It's very important that you get a Pap once a year. It test for abnormalities. I hated going to the Gynecologist. I never went for my check ups. I ended up having to go because I got pregnant and found out I had Cervical Cancer. If I had not of gotten pregnant I would have been dead 2 years form now. I'm just trying to say be sure you go to a Gynecologist at least once a year. It could save your life.
154058
No, cervical cancer does not have any symptoms.  That is why we get a Pap Smear every year.  It is a relatively inexpensive test, and can even detect pre-cancerous cells so your doctor can treat it in the earliest stages.
1002330
If you are having a pap smear done during the office visit (usually part of an annual exam) then you should not have intercourse for at least 24 hours prior to the appointment.
388080
To whom it may concern,\n\n  Is it safe, yes.  Is it recommended, no.  For one thing, if your menstral flow is heavy then the blood may obscure your Ob/Gyns view of the cervix.  Another reason is that a pap smear is performed by looking at cells from your cervix.  Sometimes the blood from a menstral cycle can make examining these cells more difficult and yield an indeterminate result.  The best advice may be to simply put your pap smear off for a week of so.  I hope this helps.
487939
The Papanicolaou Smear [aka Pap Test, Pap Smear] is performed as part of a routine pelvic exam by your GYN.\n\nThe Test is used detect precancerous cells, inflammation, infection and abnormalities of the cervix – including cervical cancer. Approximately 20,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually and account for an estimated 7,600 deaths each year. The Pap Test can detect the earliest signs of this cancer, and is the best way to ensure early intervention and treatment. \n\nThe gynecologist will introduce a speculum into the vagina. A speculum is a small instrument used to open the walls of the vaginal canal, affording visualization of the interior. A sampling of cells is then taken from the cervical canal by scraping the outside of the cervix with a device remarkably resembling a spatula, followed by the insertion of a small brush (the cervix brush or “Papette, which looks not unlike, of all things, a pipe cleaner). Once the cell samples are taken, they are fixed to a slide or placed in a bottle containing preservative and sent off to a lab. \n\nThe entire procedure can range between 10-20 minutes and can be mildly, albeit temporarily, painful. \n\nDo not schedule your Pap during menstruation. The optimum time to undergo the Test is approximately 10-20 days *after* the *first day* of your *last* period. Avoid intercourse, baths, douching and use of vaginal creams, suppositories, foams, medications, deodorant sprays or powders for 24 hours prior to the Test in order to avoid inaccurate results. \n\nIf your results are normal – “negative” – nothing further is needed. If abnormal results are reported – “positive” – further investigation will be performed. In the case of infections, appropriate treatment will be prescribed. In the case of cell changes, a colposcopy may be performed, in which a special microscope is used to examine the cervix very closely. A biopsy will also likely be taken and further tested for abnormalities. \n\nPaps are highly effective, but there is a slight chance of “false positive” or “false negative” results. In such cases, you and your physician will decide on the correct course of further testing and/or treatments.\n\nUnder the updated, new guidelines, women should begin having regular paps after first intercourse or age 21, whichever comes first.
120775
You don't have to. Just be sure to do it safely all the time. You might want to see a doctor for a pap-smear, though. And maybe to get advice on birth control.
117827
HPV causes changes in the cervical cells, and can cause a pre-cancerous condition called dysplasia.  You can go to your nearest Planned Parenthood and get a Pap Smear, and they have a sliding scale as to how much you pay.  You should have yearly Pap Smears.  I'm sure you can save enough money to have ONE doctor's visit a year.  Besides you're protecting your general health and reproductive health and you can't put a price on that!