First pap and I'm scared stiff

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-16-2004
First pap and I'm scared stiff
2
Fri, 01-16-2004 - 11:20pm
Hi, I'm Mars and don't usually post much but right now I'm in need of some advice/support.

I'm 19, a virgin, and have been taking birth control to help my acne (I started three year ago so I could take Acutane which eventually got rid of my acne but I've continued with the Birth control b/c I like the light periods and such). I called my health care provider to make a refill for my pills and they told me I couldn't have anymore until I got a pap smear. I didn't have to get one when I first got the pills and have never had one before, and I'm really nervous about it now, and I haven't even made the appointment yet! I'm kinda pissed off too that for the past three years I never had to get one - and I know it's for my own good but I really dont want some stranger down there y'know what I mean? - and now all of a sudden I have to. I don't really have a question for anyone I just wanted to get this out and hopefully get some helpful advice or something from you guys. Thanks.

Mars

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2003
Fri, 01-16-2004 - 11:40pm
Hi Mars,

I'm sorry you're so worried about this. It's pretty standard to require paps every few years on BC. There are risks with BC and they just want to be sure everything's ok. And I know exactly how you feel about having someone down there LOL! I had to have my first exam at age 16, due to some problems I had and it was pretty embarrasing.

It generally doesn't hurt though and aside from a little embarassment at the indignity of the whole thing, its not a real big deal. Make sure your dr knows you're a virgin though, so he'll be more gentle with you. Because you're a virgin, it may hurt a little when he inserts the tool that will open the vaginal walls so he can see, but the PAP test itself isn't bad. You'll probably feel a little pinch when he takes the sample, but then its over and done with. Unfortunately, as women, its part of life. Especially if you plan to have kids, because there's absolutely no dignity in the delivery room....most women have a full audience whether they like it or not LOL.

My advise would be keep in mind that your doctor does this many many times all day every day, and he certainly won't be thinking anything special about you while he's down there. He'll be focused on your health and nothing else. Also, I've always found the best way to try to relax for the exam is to think of something else and BREATH. Our natural response to the situation may be to tense up and hold our breaths....waiting for the invasion...and if you're tense, it might hurt more....but if you focus on breathing and relaxing, it won't be so bad....just keep in mind, you're not alone! We all have to do it at some point if we want to stay healthy. This is just one of those things you just have to grit your teeth and do it.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2000
Sat, 01-17-2004 - 10:24pm

Its pretty standard to require an annual pap smear to get a prescription for birth control... especially if you are 18 and older. If you are younger than that and are on birth control, they are probably more lienent.


A pap smear is a very part of being a responsible woman. It has saved many many lives. Cervical cancer was the number one killer of women before the pap smear.


It is a quick and simple test... and usually not painful, just uncomfortable. Like the last poster said, remember this is your doctor's job. He/she sees vaginas every day! So yours is no different. Just a day on the job. Take a deep breath and relax... because the tenser you are down there, the more uncomfortable it is. Just let your muscles go loose down there and the doc will be in and out in no time.


At my first pap, I was nervous... but proud at the same time! I WAS A WOMAN!! And getting that pap smear is part of being a woman! Yea!! I was taking my health in my own hands. And you know what, two years later after my first pap, my pap smear detected precancerous cells... and If I didn't ever get that first pap... who knows how severe it could have become.


Be proud! You are a woman and your body is beautiful. Take care of it!


megan

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