Because you will need to remove all clothing from the waist down for a Pap smear, you might consider wearing a dress or skirt so that all you have to take off is your underwear and shoes, but this is purely a personal preference. It may be just as easy for you to slip out of a pair of jeans, slacks, or sweatpants.
To ensure your comfort, it's suggested that you wear easily removable clothing to your appointment (like leggings and a simple t-shirt).
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.
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.
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.
To help ensure the most accurate results from a Pap smear, avoid the following two days prior to your test: Using tampons. Having sexual intercourse. Using vaginal creams, sprays or powders.
Shaving or waxing your pubic hair doesn't have any repercussions on the Pap smear, so it's totally your call. Q9: How long do the results take? It takes about one to three weeks to test results to come back.
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.
Preparations Before the Test
Wear something comfortable and easy to remove. Your doctor may ask to remove clothes from the waist down, but others ask their patient to remove all clothes, especially when they suggest a breast exam.
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.
They will study it under a microscope to look for abnormal cells. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your cervix to heal after this procedure.
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.
It may be that your pelvic floor muscles were not as relaxed. Also, it could be the size and brand of the speculum used. Different speculums are available now that may stretch your vaginal entrance a bit more and be uncomfortable. Ask your doctor to use a narrower speculum in future.
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.
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.
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.
Other instructions
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.
Do Virgins Need Pap Smears? The majority of healthcare providers recommend women begin pap smears at age 21. If you're a virgin, or haven't had vaginal intercorse, you may be at extreme low risk but can still consider getting tested.
Abnormal Pap test results: An abnormal test result may also be called a positive test result. Some of the cells of the cervix look different from the normal cells. An abnormal test result does not mean you have cancer. Your health care provider will recommend monitoring, more testing, or treatment.
“On the day of the smear by all means have a shower or a bath, as it will make you feel more confident and less self-conscious. But there is no need to wash more than you normally would, or use anything other than water and unscented soap. Wear clothing that is quick and easy to take off and on.”
Then the nurse will use a small, soft brush to quickly take a sample of cells from your cervix. This may feel a bit strange, but should not be painful. The nurse will put your sample of cells into a small plastic container (vial) of liquid. The liquid preserves the cells so they can be sent to a lab for testing.