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OBGYN
♥ okay..I have an appointment @ the OBGYN today @ 3 but I am trying to look more into the "pap" smear and the exam so that I will know what to expect such as does it hurt? what does it feel like? what do they do to you "down there"? 1-10 how bad is the pain with 10 being REAL bad...please hurry with lots of good informating please! Thanks in advance, I'll rate 5's for good answers...
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alright im mom made me go get one down its no sweat i thought it was going to be bad i none my friends h ad it down so i got really really nervouss and scared but its no big deal it doesnt hurt bad just lay back close your eyes and relax hope i helped Ash
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[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
has a list of topics and if you click on one, it will tell you about it.
here are a few:
What is a Pap smear
What' a Pap Smear
Anna
Dear Anna,
The Pap Smear or Pap Test is a little test that may be the most important development in women's health. It is a screening test for cancer of the cervix. Since its introduction, there has been a dramatic decline in deaths from the disease. In addition to detecting cancer and pre cancerous cells, the Pap test may also show evidence of vaginal infections such as yeast, or viral infections. The test is done by taking a scraping of the cells on the cervix and upper vaginal area. It is not painful, and takes about 5-10 seconds to do. You can learn about a vaginal examination at Gynecological Exam: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location).
Iris
With the speculum in place, the doctor can take sample cells from the cervix. This is called a Pap smear, and it's done to see if there's anything unusual about the cells in the cervix. It's a simple test that isn't much different from using a Q-tip.
For the Pap smear, the doctor lightly rubs or "scrapes" the surface of the cervix with a small flat spatula (kind of like a Popsicle stick). This cell sample is "smeared" onto a slide and sent to a lab. The test usually doesn't hurt and it only lasts a few seconds, but sometimes it might be a little uncomfortable or cause some cramps. Also, you might notice a little blood after you've had a Pap test, but this is normal.
Pap smears should be performed annually -- from age 18, or when a woman becomes sexually active -- whichever comes first. You can't be having your period when you get a Pap smear.
The doctor might do other tests, including cervical and vaginal cultures and a wet mount. Testing the pH (or acidity level) of vaginal fluid can be helpful in detecting infection. None of these tests should cause any pain or discomfort.
Getting Ready for the exam--Asking Questions
Shower or bathe on the morning of the pelvic exam. It's just good hygiene, and at least you won't be angst-ing about THAT.
If you use douches, DON'T use one at least 24 hours before a pelvic exam. It could mess up your Pap smear or make it hard to detect a vaginal infection.
If you get your period the day of the appointment - cancel it and reschedule it for a week or two. Or you could decide to go and just use the time to talk.
Write down the date of your last period. You should be keeping track of your menstrual cycle. (Check out the Beinggirl Period Calendar in About Me - it's a great tool for charting your period.) You could also write a list of any symptoms that are bothering you to bring to the exam.
Asking questions
A pelvic exam is a great opportunity to practice talking about your health. For generations, people never questioned doctors about procedures or medications. Dumb! So ask questions like your health depends on it - it does.
Before you go, make a list of questions to ask. Using the Glossary at this web site will help you to use the right words when asking your questions. You can also read the sections on Menstruation or Female Anatomy to get a clear picture of what's going on - and get clear on your questions or concerns.
You can ask your questions before the actual exam, when you're first meeting with the doctor, during the exam, or after. NEVER be afraid to ask questions. If you don't feel comfortable asking or if the doctor isn't answering your questions, you may want to change doctors. You want to be able to ask questions and feel that your doctor is really listening. With any doctor, you should ask what exams they will be doing, why, what the medications are for and what you can expect.
So here's a checklist of info and things you might want to bring to your pelvic exam:
The dates of your last period
The length of your periods and your cycle
A list of questions for the doctor and any issues you'd like to discuss
The names of any medications that you're taking. (Write down the name of the medication and the dose, or just put the bottle in your purse and show the doctor
You may have questions about S.T.D.'s (sexually transmitted diseases), birth control, or pregnancy. Your doctor can answer specific questions, and probably give you brochures and info on these topics. But you have to remember to ask, so write it down.
www.beinggirl.com is an amazing site, from wich i got the above information.
-SLeK-
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