Experience of My First Pap Smear
It has been a long time since I have written a blog post, but I figured this important of a topic is a great excuse to get back to it!
Last week, I got my first pap smear.
To so many people, these words are so scary. Usually because it involves the unknown. But it doesn't need to be feared.
It is recommended that once you turn 21, you should get a basic pelvic exam and pap smear. A doctor may recommend an earlier one based on symptoms or other reasons, but 21 is good rule of thumb. Even though I have no symptoms or any reason to have suspicions of a problem, preventative care is incredibly important aspect of health care that is often looked over.
I am writing this blog so that if anyone reading this is nervous about scheduling their first pap smear, they can maybe find some peace of mind in these words. When I am nervous is something, it helps to learn as much as possible about it.
Like I mentioned before, I made a pap smear appointment since I am 21 and I have never had one before. I booked an appointment with a female provider I have seen before here at school. It's not a factor for everyone, but I know I would much prefer a female provider for this sort of appointment.
The only thing I did to prep for the appointment was do some research on a pap smear. This video from Zoe Sugg is the most useful source I found. In the video, she takes the vlog with her throughout the entire appointment process, including the actual pap smear. I love that she even times how long that pap smear takes. This eased my nerves the most because she is truly someone I trust online and I was able to see all aspects of the appointment. If you have any nerves or questions, I highly highly recommend this video! It is worth the long watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uceXJ3d6xY
I also want to walk you through my whole experience. When I arrived at my on campus medical office, I checked in as normal and went back to the right office. The medical assistant took some simple vitals; blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Before she left, she told me to take off my pants and underwear before I sit down on the bed. The there was a clean paper blanket to unfold and cover my lap with. I can't lie, it is weird to undress from the waist down in a doctor's office and just sit down on the clean paper of a doctor's office bed, but I did it anyways.
After a few minutes, the doctor came in and chatted with me for a few minutes. We discussed my past period history and other relevant medical information. Before she starts the procedure, she brought over the medical tray to show me the items she'd be using. First, the most intimidating thing is the speculum. It is a plastic medical device used to open the vaginal canal in order to view the cervix. In non medical terms, it is a cone shaped plastic thing that opens in the vagina so the doctor can see up to where the uterus meets the vagina. (It looks like this).
Luckily, they are no longer made of metal. The plastic is much more comfortable for the exam. She showed me how the speculum opens, including that it makes a clicking sound as it opens. She also showed me the swabs used to collect specimens.
She helped position me by scooting down to the edge of the bed and placing my feet on the extended table. She also raised the bed for a better working height for her. Before she started, I placed my feet in the stirrups.
The doctor uses a lubricant jelly to make the insertion easier. She warned me that the speculum would be entered, then again before she opened it. I won't lie, it wasn't a very comfortable experience. But I think the most important thing to emphasize is that it is still completely bearable. If I had to rate it on a pain scale, it would only be a 3/10. It feels similar to a large tampon or a menstrual cup, but it's different in that it does open. After the speculum was in place, the doctor is able to use it and a light to view the cervix. The doctor spoke to me throughout the process, updating me what she was doing and observing. She also explained the anatomical aspects of what she was looking at. She used the swab to collect a sample of cervical cells that the lab would later examine.
After this, she slowly removed the speculum, and it was all done.
In total, the time involving the speculum was less than five minutes. Even though it was uncomfortable, it was so little time I found it very bearable. After labeling the sample, she offered me a few minutes to get dressed again before we chatted and wrapped up the appointment.
When she came back, she just told me that she would get back to me and either recommend another pap smear in one year or three years, depending on the results of the lab tests.
And just like that, it was all done.
Overall, it was honestly a lot easier than I thought it would be. Even though I knew exactly what the procedure would be, I was still nervous to see how my body would react to the procedure. It wasn't comfortable, but it wasn't bad either.
For maybe the next hour after, I was a little bit sore. It was a very minimum amount of pain, though. Some people can experience some spotting, or bleeding, after a pap smear but I didn't experience any.
I know going to the doctor can be scary, especially with some personal problems such as these, but it is so important. Pap smears can help detect cancers, HPV and other STIs. It is better to be safer with preventative care before any complications can develop on their own.
If you are still really nervous, speak to your doctor. The provider can help you find a method that would help you be as calm as you can. If you need support, ask a friend to come to the appointment to you. Or if there are certain songs that always calm you, ask the doctor if you can listen to music while the procedure is done. There are a lot of resources out there that can help you get through the appointment.
Even if only a few people read this post, I hope it helps calm your nerves about getting a pap smear.
Great sources of more information:
And to end, a gif of Michelle Obama because why not.
You got this girls.
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