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. Be honest and candid about your sexual health and discuss any sexual practices that may place you at risk.
Preparing for a Pap Smear Test
You can shower, but don't tub bathe for 24 hours before the test. Refrain from having intercourse for at least two days before the test.
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.
On the day of the pap smear, women can take a dose of ibuprofen. When arriving at the office, women should empty their bladder before the appointment time. Contracting muscles that are trying to “hold it” don't mix well with relaxing and letting the doctor do the pap smear.
Use a pad if you have some bleeding. Do not douche, have sexual intercourse, or use tampons for 1 week if you had a biopsy. This will allow time for your cervix to heal. You can take a bath or shower anytime after the test.
It doesn't take much to prepare for a pap smear. Some women may feel like they need to shave their pubic hair, but it's unnecessary for this test. You should only tackle it if you'll be more comfortable. Your doctor has seen it all, so a little bit of pubic hair won't bother him.
Should I shave my pubic hair before a Pap test? Nope, this isn't necessary. Whether you are shaved, waxed or all natural it's all the same when getting a Pap.
In most cases, an abnormal Pap test is a result of: A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD), such as herpes or trichomoniasis. A bacterial or yeast infection.
Also, make sure to schedule your exam for a day when you won't be on your period. 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.
Don't come in for your pap smear in your tightest pair of jeans and a body-hugging top. You need to have a sense of comfort to help you relax before and during the test. Wear comfortable clothing so you feel comfortable, and ask for a woman doctor, too, if that eases your mind. Be as relaxed as you can.
The short answer to this question is, yes, you can be sedated to get a pelvic exam and Pap smear.
Before your test
You usually stop eating at least 6 hours before the procedure. You can usually drink water up to 2 hours beforehand. Your appointment letter will give you instructions about this. You need an empty bowel so your doctor can check the inside of your rectum.
You will need to take off all clothing from the waist down for a Pap smear. You might want to wear a dress or skirt so that all you have to take off is your underwear and shoes, but this is a personal preference.
Yes. Most health care providers permit patients to bring a friend or family member into the exam room with them.
Pap test results generally depend upon the lab that examines the sample. Some labs only take three days to process the results, while others may need a week or two.
There's no need to panic
Although worry is a common and normal reaction, it's important to know that your test results merely showed that you have an infection or unusual cells known as dysplasia. None of this means you have cancer.
The STIs that can be diagnosed by Pap smear are trichomoniasis, HPV infection, herpes genitalis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
The Cervex Brush should be rotated 5 times in a clockwise direction. The Plastic spatula should be rotated through 360 degrees and the endocervical brush rotated through one quarter to one half turn. Immediately rinse the collected material into the vial.
Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or using spermicidal preparations or any kind of vaginal medicine for two days prior to your Pap smear appointment. These substances may obscure or wash away any abnormal cells. Don't schedule your Pap smear when you expect to be menstruating.
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).
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.
Because your hormones are increased on this medication, bleeding after a pap smear test is more likely. Our cervix is more sensitive to an elevation in hormones as well, so mild pain or cramping can also be expected after the test.
You may feel a light scratching when they take the cells, or you may feel nothing at all. You may also have some staining or bleeding after. Gynecological exams should not be painful, but they may be uncomfortable. Talk with your nurse or doctor about any discomfort you feel during the exam.