What do they do during a Pap smear?

In a Pap test, your doctor uses a vaginal speculum to hold your vaginal walls apart and to see the cervix. Next, a sample of cells from your cervix is collected using a small cone-shaped brush and a tiny plastic spatula (1 and 2).

What happens in a Pap smear exam?

A doctor usually carries out a Pap smear during a gynecological pelvic exam. They insert a tool called a speculum into the vagina so that they can examine the cervix. Then, they take a sample of cervical cells using a brush or spatula and send them for testing.

Is it painful to have a Pap smear?

Usually a small spatula or tiny brush is used to gently collect cells from the cervix for the Pap 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.

Do they open your cervix for a Pap smear?

The cervix is part of your uterus (womb). During a Pap smear, your doctor takes a sample of cells from your cervix to be tested. To take the sample, your doctor will put a special instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This helps open your vagina so the sample can be taken.

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.

Pap and HPV Testing | Nucleus Health

What should you not do before a Pap smear?

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.

How long do Pap smears take?

Pap Smear Procedure

The test is done in your doctor's office or clinic. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You'll lie on a table with your feet placed firmly in stirrups. You'll spread your legs, and your doctor will insert a metal or plastic tool (speculum) into your vagina.

How long do Pap smear results take?

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.

How can I relax during a Pap smear?

At what age should you get a Pap smear?

You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

Do Virgins need Pap smears?

Do virgins need Pap smears? Answer From Tatnai Burnett, M.D. Yes. Doctors recommend routine cervical cancer screening, regardless of your sexual history.

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.

Is it normal to get wet during a pelvic exam?

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.

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.

Are Pap smears embarrassing?

Young women are avoiding getting smear tests because they are embarrassed by the look and smell of their pubic areas, a survey suggests. The charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust surveyed 2,017 British women. A third said embarrassment caused them to delay getting a smear test, which can prevent 75% of cervical cancers.

What is it like to get your first Pap smear?

The provider will gently insert a tool called a speculum into your vagina. It looks similar to a duck bill and is used to spread the vagina slightly so the provider can collect a sample of cells from your cervix with a small soft brush. The Pap test usually lasts only a few minutes. You can expect mild sensations.

Why do gynecologists finger you?

The rectovaginal exam — Your doctor or nurse may also put a gloved finger into your rectum. This checks the muscles between your vagina and your anus. This also checks for tumors behind your uterus, on the lower wall of your vagina, or in your rectum.

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.

Why do gynecologists push on your stomach?

Pressing on your stomach is a way to find out if the size of your internal organs is normal, to check if anything hurts, and to feel if anything unusual is going on. Looking, listening, and feeling are all part of a physical exam.

How many inches is a speculum?

LARGE SIZE SPECULUM: The gynecological instrument measures 4-inch by 1-inch used by doctors to open the walls of the vagina and examine the vagina and cervix.

How far does a speculum open?

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.

Can a speculum cut you?

Complications related to speculum use

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.

Do pelvic exams hurt?

Does a pelvic exam hurt? You can expect to feel a little discomfort, but you should not feel pain during a pelvic exam. Take slow, deep breaths and urinate before the exam to help with any discomfort. If you feel pain or discomfort during your exam, tell your doctor.

What are 3 benefits of a Pap smear?

What are the disadvantages of Pap smear?

The biggest limitation of the Pap test is that, like many tests, it does not guarantee accurate results. A Pap test may return a false positive, meaning it suggests there are abnormal cells in the cervix when there are none.