The Pap smear shouldn't hurt, but it might be uncomfortable. The good news is, it's over quickly.
Pap smear pain
You may also feel mild discomfort in the form of a pinching sensation when cells are being removed with the brush or spatula. If you find yourself unable to relax, the muscles in the pelvic area can tighten and cause some temporary discomfort.
Applying a small amount of gel to the blades of a speculum before insertion won't alter test results—but will reduce the patient's discomfort.
It's common to feel a little pain after a pap test. In some cases, however, you may experience slight sensations or pelvic discomfort while your doctor extracts cervical cells.
A Pap smear is very safe, and most people only experience mild cramping during the procedure. Some people experience more intense cramping that is similar to or worse than that during a period. Others may notice that the cramping lasts for 1–2 days after the test. There are typically no other side effects.
Crying during a pap smear is a relatively common occurrence and nothing to be ashamed of. Pap smears can be uncomfortable or even painful for some women, but there are steps you can take to make the experience more comfortable.
There is nothing wrong with you. Your body's natural response of lubrication in this particular case has nothing to do with whether you are aroused by your doctor or the examination itself. Also, some women lubricate more than others and that is normal too.
Discomfort and bleeding or cramping after a pap smear is normal because this area of our body is so sensitive. After a pap smear or pelvic exam, blood rushes to the cervix and your other reproductive organs. This is why the irritation and bleeding from the cervical scratch or scrape may occur.
It's totally normal for women to experience a little bit of discomfort following a pelvic exam, especially if it's their first one. It's also common for women after a pap test to have mild cramping and/or light bleeding for a couple of days after a pap test (smear).
The short answer to this question is, yes, you can be sedated to get a pelvic exam and Pap smear. This is not common practice however, and usually only done when there is suspected clinical concern and a routine exam is not possible.
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.
If you are getting a Pap test, you can take steps to make sure the test results are accurate. Avoid intercourse, douching, and using vaginal medicines or spermicidal foam for 2 days before the test. If you had sex before the test, go to the appointment as planned and let the doctor know.
Pap Smear Procedure
It takes about 10-20 minutes for the whole exam, but only a few minutes for the actual Pap smear. The test is done in your doctor's office or clinic. You'll lie on a table with your feet placed firmly in stirrups.
Why might I need a Pap test? A Pap test, along with a pelvic exam, is an important part of your routine healthcare. It can help find abnormal cells that can lead to cancer. Your healthcare provider can find most cancers of the cervix early if you have regular Pap tests and pelvic exams.
bring something that is comforting or helps you relax, for example a music player or magazine. wear a skirt or dress as you can keep these on during the test. make plans for after your appointment, for example treating yourself to something nice and relaxing.
You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort when the speculum is put in and opened. Usually a small spatula or tiny brush is used to gently collect cells from the cervix for the Pap test. You may feel a light scratching when they take the cells, or you may feel nothing at all.
If you neglect to get regular pap smears, you put yourself at risk for a number of health issues. These include: Cervical cancer: Without regular screenings, abnormal cells on the cervix can go undetected and develop into cervical cancer.
The best time to schedule your Pap test is at least 5 days after the end of your menstrual period. A Pap test can be done during your menstrual period, but it is better to schedule the test at another time.
In special cases (such as having a weakened immune system, being HIV-positive, or a diagnosis of cervical cancer), your doctor may recommend more frequent pap testing. Directly after your first pap smear, however, you can go about your day as normal, with no restrictions.
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for your healthcare provider to receive your results from the laboratory. It's important to agree on a way of getting your results with your healthcare provider. Find out more about Cervical Screening Test results.
Yes. Most health care providers permit patients to bring a friend or family member into the exam room with them. However, it's a good idea to call ahead and ask your health care provider if this is okay with her or him.
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. Why do pap smears and vaginal exams sometimes hurt?
Do not use douche, bubble bath, or use vaginal medicine for three days before Pap test. You may shower, but do not tub bathe 24 hours before the Pap test. Inform your clinician about additional medications/conditions that may interfere with an accurate test.
According to ACOG guidelines, PAP smears should begin at age 21, regardless of when a girl becomes sexually active.