Can Pap smears be traumatizing?

Smear tests are unpleasant, full stop. There can't be many women who would disagree with that. But for those with mental health problems

mental health problems

A mental disorder, also called a mental illness or psychiatric disorder, is a behavioral or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning. Such features may be persistent, relapsing and remitting, or occur as single episodes.

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Mental disorder - Wikipedia

, learning disabilities and/or a history of sexual abuse, the procedure can be exceptionally traumatic.

Why are pap smears traumatizing?

Why Are Some Gynecological Procedures So Painful? Gynecological visits are rarely comfortable. A speculum can feel cold and painful when it's inserted into the vagina and up to the cervix. Patients may feel vulnerable being looked at or touched by a medical professional.

Is it normal to feel sad after a Pap smear?

Studies report that after being informed of an abnormal Pap smear test result, women commonly feel stressed and anxious [4-6], irrespective of the severity of the result [7]. These emotions are often long lasting, being present up to two years after the Pap test [8].

Can a speculum cause trauma?

If it hurts, you can ask the doctor to use a smaller speculum. The speculum might feel like it's stretching out your vagina, but it only opens up the vaginal canal temporarily. It won't widen or loosen your vagina. A speculum shouldn't cause damage or injury when used by a trained doctor.

Are pelvic exams traumatic?

For many sexual trauma survivors, pelvic exams can feel intrusive and be triggering or re-traumatizing. According to one study, the pelvic exam is one of the most common anxiety-inducing medical procedures. When medical practitioners are not trauma-informed, the experience can be more damaging, patients say.

Your Pap Smear Questions Answered

Why does the speculum hurt so much?

Sometimes a pap test is excruciatingly painful not because the speculum is the wrong size, but because your vaginal issue is thin and dry or the muscles that surround the vagina are tense and painful.

How can I stop being nervous for a Pap smear?

Some of my patients find it helpful to distract themselves by wiggling their toes, talking through the test or having a loved one in the room. Your doctor should use either warm water or lubrication to help insert the speculum more comfortably. While a Pap test may be uncomfortable, it should not be painful.

Can you get sedated for a Pap 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.

Why did my pelvic exam hurt?

It's human reflex to tighten up when we're anticipating that something—like a pelvic exam—will hurt. But when our pelvic floor muscles contract and tighten, it can lead to more pain during the exam. A way to prevent this pain is to 'bear down' during the early part of the internal exam.

Can you refuse a speculum exam?

You always have the right to refuse to answer certain questions or to decline a physical examination of any part of your body. You are the one in charge and nothing should happen without your consent.

Why do I feel weird after a Pap smear?

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.

How do you mentally prepare for a Pap smear?

Consider these tips to mentally prepare for your exam:

You may want to listen to music or watch a video to distract your mind. You also can bring a partner, family member or friend to talk to during the process. Talk to your health care provider. Let your provider know you are nervous and explain how you are feeling.

What should you not do after a Pap smear?

Avoid sex and don't use a tampon in the two to three days following a Pap smear if you're experiencing bleeding. The additional pressure may cause bleeding to start again or become heavier.

Why am I afraid of Pap smear?

Pap Smear test tends to be a bit uncomfortable because of the process involved in the sample collection. Even after the procedure ends, the discomforted feeling might persist. You might experience cramps or slight vaginal bleeding after the test. You can consult your doctor if the discomfort continues for long.

How do you relax during a smear test?

Does a speculum feel good?

During a Pap test, a nurse or doctor will put a plastic or metal tool called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum opens up to separate the walls of your vagina so that they can see your cervix. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort when the speculum is put in and opened.

How painful is a speculum?

The speculum exam — Your doctor will gently slide a speculum into your vagina. The speculum is made of metal or plastic. It separates the walls of your vagina when it opens. This may feel uncomfortable or weird, but it shouldn't hurt.

How many fingers does a gynecologist use?

The doctor or nurse will put lubricant on two fingers (still wearing the gloves) and slide them inside your vagina. Using the other hand, he or she will press on the outside of your lower abdomen (the area between your vagina and your stomach). You may feel a little pressure or discomfort.

How do you stay calm during a pelvic exam?

A: Communicate with your provider that you're feeling nervous and tense. They can help position you to feel more comfortable. Practice slow, deep breathing. Try to relax your shoulders, your stomach muscles and the muscles between your legs.

Can they numb you before a Pap smear?

4. Paracetamol: Take a dose of paracetamol 30 minutes before your smear which will take some of the discomfort away. 5. Numbing gel: If all else fails, ask the nurse to use a small amount of numbing gel.

Can you be forced to have a pelvic exam?

Performing pelvic exams without consent is illegal in Hawaii, Virginia, Oregon, California, Iowa, Illinois, Utah, and Maryland. Legislation prohibiting this recently passed the New York legislature and is pending in other states, including Minnesota and Massachusetts.

How wide does a speculum open you?

Despite how exposed you may feel with your legs in the stirrups, you might be surprised to learn that no matter which speculum you get, it is not holding your vagina open several inches wide. In fact, the opening is only about 2 centimeters wide during a Pap, says Dr. Shirazian.

Will a Pap smear hurt if I'm a virgin?

Will it hurt? The pelvic examination will not hurt. Many women describe the experience as a sensation of crowding or fullness in the vagina; however, there should be no pain. Sometimes a woman will feel discomfort, especially if she is tense.

Should I be scared of Pap test?

A pap smear can be mildly uncomfortable for some women and there may be some spotting afterwards. For the vast majority of women it is about as conversation-worthy as a sneeze that just won't come and is never spoken about.

How is a speculum inserted without pain?

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.