does pap smear hurt if you're virgin

(female) Join Date: Aug 2010. These screenings are also covered by Part B on the same schedule as a Pap smear. If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to schedule a Pap smear, regardless of your age. Try to relax your body with breathing exercises or music. x 1. Avoid sex and don’t use a tampon in the two to three days following a Pap smear if you’re experiencing bleeding. Why do Pap smears stop at 65? If your hpv test is negative, your pap smears have been normal, and you don't have new partners, then your next pap smear is due in 3 years because you don't need to be screened for cervical cancer as often. If you're worried about your smear experience ask to see a gynaecologist. Not all female doctors are gentle, but since they have the same parts we do, they inherently have an idea of how a pap smear feels and tend to be a bit gentler. Whether you're nervous, curious or have a specific question, here, together, let's educate ourselves and remove the stigma surrounding smear tests once and for all. They diagnose vaginismus and offer treatment - but sounds like you're also worried about the physical side effects of the smear. Your pap test shouldn’t hurt. It’s not bad. A pap smear (also known as a pap test) is a vaginal exam that screens for cervical cancer. Posts: 1. Pap smears are painful, but definitely not unbearable. A pap smear is also known as a pap test and is part of the regular checkups that all women should have. 5. Answer From Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso, M.D. Remember, everyone's first time is a different experience, but it is important to use protection to prevent pregnancy and STDs. Let's set something straight. The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the uterus. If your hymen is intact and you are genuinely totally devoid of sexual experience then you do not need a smear - at least in the light of current knowledge. Does a smear test hurt? Pelvic exams are a standard procedure that’s recommended as soon as a woman becomes sexually active. If you are a virgin, do you still need a pap smear? Urinating beforehand can relieve some of this pressure. Below is an overview of what happens during each of them. oh my goodness. I am a 23 year virgin, yes they do exist, but my period has been irregular for years, and i have been having other problems because of my irregularity. For starters, you shouldn’t be on your period. Why, at … We're never told what actually happens during a pap smear, so, let's lay it out. I think you're experience is so painful because you are too tense. It'll hurt a bit if you're … If you uncomfortable with a male doing it, ask for a female doctor/nurse to do it. If you're a virgin — meaning you haven't had sexual (vaginal) intercourse — you may have a low risk of cervical cancer, but you can still consider testing. Pap smears should begin at age 21, and prior to that, if you don't have any problems or pain, you likely don't need an exam. But, I already got it and wasn't aware that my hymen would break! While the American Cancer Society recommends that any woman 21+ get a pap smear, according to Mayo Clinic, if you're a virgin, pap smears are pretty much unnecessary. A pelvic exam is needed for a Pap test or an IUD insertion. Does a pap smear hurt if you're a virgin? So, it's too late for me.. Your doctor will usually do a pelvic exam and a breast exam at the same time. However, since the full pap test lasts only a few minutes, any discomfort a person feels will be very temporary. Don't be silent! How painful is a Pap smear for a virgin? A Pap smear doesn’t really hurt or cause, but it can be an uncomfortable experience. However, since the full pap test lasts only a few minutes, any discomfort a person feels will … nurse/doctor doing smear test - pap smear stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. However, any sexual activity can spread HPV. According to Planned Parenthood, many women report they aren’t bothered by the actual cell collection process, but rather, the uncomfortable sensation caused by the speculum tool that stretches the vaginal opening. Virgins + pap smears = ouch!!! std and pap smear test Pap Smear Related: EVERYTHING I SHOULD KNOW!!!!! +1 y. Some women don't really know what the doctor or nurse is doing down there or what they're testing for. If you're getting your first Pap, it may feel a little uncomfortable because it’s an unusual sensation that your body isn't used to. Gynecologists use these tools to keep the vagina open during the procedure. This procedure tests for cervical cancer and involves the collection of cells from the cervix. You doctor will use a vaginal speculum to hold open your vagina walls so that they can collect cells from your cervix. What does a pelvic exam consist of? For a woman who has it, though, it can mean much more: humiliation when she can't endure a pap smear, confusion when she can't use a tampon, despair when she discovers she simply can't have sex without agony—or sometimes, at all. Does a pap smear hurt if you're a virgin? The Papanicolaou test (also known as a Pap test or Pap smear) is used to detect cell changes or abnormal cells on a cervix that may become precancerous or cancerous (the test may also be used to detect non-cancerous changes, too). The speculum I use for a 16-year-old virgin is a completely different instrument than I would use for a 40-year-old with 3 kids, the 70-year-old who is well into menopause, the 4”10’ woman, or the 6" woman. The smear test is not a test for cancer, it is a test for abnormal cells that could become cancerous. A pap smear should not hurt (definitely not to the point of yelping!). Women often marvel at how much better tolerated my exams are than with previous doctors. Tensing up from anxiety will only make the vaginal muscles angrier during a transvaginal ultrasound or Pap smear. For a lot of people, it’s a five minute appointment that may be slightly uncomfortable and embarrassing, but is over and done with quickly. For a lot of people, it’s a five minute appointment that may be slightly uncomfortable and embarrassing, but is over and done with quickly. It'll be scary at first, but it won't always be that way. I wish I knew this was going to happen days before I got it. The reality is that a Pap smear test can hurt whether or not you are a virgin. In addition to having a standard physical exam, you will also receive a pelvic exam, breast exam, and pap smear. It goes away quickly. What doctors don’t tell you is that the results from a pap smear are often inaccurate (between 10 and 60% of pap smears are inaccurate) and will show a false positive for abnormal cells if you have recently had intercourse, taken a bath, used a tampon, or any number of such things. Does a pap smear hurt if you're a virgin? When I had an internal exam for the first time it was like 6 weeks before my … Pap Tests: When you need them and when you don’t. Most health care organizations recommend women begin regular Pap testing at age 21. Therefore, it is certainly much safer to include virgins in the standard cervical cancer screening recommendation, with yearly Pap smears, than to miss an HPV related disease in … If possible, do it at least 5 days after your last period ended. Newbie. Pap test, also called a Pap smear, is a routine screening test for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. After an abnormal pap smear and HPV diagnosis, my gyno recommended that I undergo a colposcopy. By now, you’re probably used to the good old Pap smear. pap smear medical test - pap smear stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Thanks x 5. Since bleeding can make the test a little less accurate, try to get your pap smear done during a time when you won’t be having your period. The problem is, much like those skinny jeans, speculums are not one-size-fits-all. As I've said, it isn't painful for me; I just try to keep my muscles as relaxed as possible so my OBGYN can do the exam. However, since the full pap test lasts only a few minutes, any discomfort a person feels will … Virginity is a social, cultural, and religious concept — and a pap smear isn't likely to break your hymen. Seeing as I can't wear tampons either, no one including myself has been down there. If your pap smear is normal, you do not need to have another pap smear until 3 years later. If your hymen is intact and you are genuinely totally devoid of sexual experience then you do not need a smear - at least in the light of current knowledge. If worrisome signs are caught too late — or even worse, left undiscovered — the less doctors can do to help you, which is why skipping your annual Pap is a … Q3: Does a Pap smear hurt? I don’t know why that is. This is because some types of cervical cancer can develop despite lack of any sexual contact. std and pap smear test Pap Smear Related: EVERYTHING I SHOULD KNOW!!!!! HPV is also responsible for other female gynecologic cancers including the vagina, the vulva and the anus. Finally, total relaxation is a must. The purpose of a Pap smear is to collect cells from your cervix, which is the lower end of your uterus. SPOTTING AND CRAMPING AFTER PAP SMEAR Pap smear result says shift in flora, what does this mean? She will clean your cervix with a solution that will prevent infection, while also stabilizing the cervix with a tool called the tenaculum.All the tools used are completely sterile, and you’ll probably feel the first major cramp during this phase. Dr. Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso at the Mayo Clinic writes that a test can be recommended, even for virgins, depending on … You do not need to shave, wax, or trim prior to the exam, however, if it makes you feel more confident and more comfortable to do some personal grooming, go for it! What Does an Annual Gynecological Exam Consist Of? For your update: it really varies from female to female. They do go on to say, if you get the liquid-based version of the test, or you are over 30, you can have one every 3 years, as long as you have had three consecutive normal tests. If you're experiencing too much pain or discomfort, tell the person performing the pap smear. bleeding during my Paps smear Pap smear if you're a virgin Why does it hurt? Pap smears should begin at age 21, and prior to that, if you don't have any problems or pain, you likely don't need an exam. Like, there normally shouldn't be any acute pain when you get one. Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus (with the exception of “DES daughters” which I’m assuming you’re too young to be one). You probably shouldn't feel it too much. The guidelines for starting at age 21 are just arbitrary guidelines and they are saying that it is necessary to cover their butts (people are not always truthful when they answer questions about sexual history). MYTH: Getting a pap smear is always extremely painful. The Pap smear looks for precancers, changes in cell on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if not treated early. A Pap test is a test of cells of the cervix. I am a physician and you do not need a pap smear if you are a virgin. What does a pelvic exam consist of? There are three things doctors can do … The cervix is the lower end of your uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. If you're a virgin, a smaller speculum would be used to see your cervix. Most health care organizations recommend women begin regular Pap testing at age 21. It hurt a bit, but you need to relax. If your period comes unexpectedly, don’t worry—you might still be able to get your pap smear. Sep 8, 2020 #13. What Does an Annual Gynecological Exam Consist Of? These types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix and are called "high risk" types of HPV. 1. Pap smears shouldn’t hurt. I'm sure plenty of women can chime in here. Dr. James Ferguson answered 46 years experience Pediatrics Smear tests, or cervical screening, are regular checks to make sure there are no changes to the cells of your cervix.A nurse uses a speculum and a small brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix that are sent away and tested. In some cases, your doctor might request a urine sample, so … It only hurts if the person doing it is rough or inexperienced. Below is an overview of what happens during each of them. Pelvic Exam. If you're a virgin — meaning you haven't had sexual (vaginal) intercourse — you may have a low risk of cervical cancer, but you can still consider testing. However, since the full pap test lasts only a few minutes, any discomfort a person feels will be very temporary. Embarrassment isn't the only reason so many women avoid smear tests: A tilted uterus can mean the procedure causes extreme discomfort and … When Pap smears are uncomfortable, it’s often because there’s a sensation of pressure in the pelvic region. If you're experiencing too much pain or discomfort, tell the person performing the pap smear. TMI, oh well to bad, lol. Hugs! Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). I have been told countless times over the years that my Pap tests don’t hurt. MYTH: Getting a pap smear is always extremely painful. However, since the full pap test lasts only a few minutes, any discomfort a person feels will be very temporary. Smear tests, or cervical screening, are regular checks to make sure there are no changes to the cells of your cervix.A nurse uses a speculum and a small brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix that are sent away and tested. Pap smears test for cervical cancer and pre-cancerous cells that could lead to cervical cancer. And even if you do have a Pap smear, it will not cause you to lose your virginity. When you get a Pap smear when pregnant you may have a small amount of blood because the cervix softens and can be sensitive. The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman should get a Pap smear at least once a year. The doctor uses a special brush and then sends the sample to the laboratory to check for the presence of abnormal cells. Pap smear: The Pap is the scraping off of a few cells that cover your cervix. For your update: it really varies from female to female. Why was my pap smear so painful? Yes, a pap smear should still be performed starting at age 21. I … I've recommend this to my friends whom are virgins, and they're all fine with it as well. Can you get a pap smear before 21? Fortunately, getting a Pap smear test regularly during pregnancy and in general helps your doctor find and treat any health concerns early. The word "pelvic" refers to the pelvis. A pap smear is just a part of the gyn exam. You may need to have a pelvic exam if you have vaginal discharge, ... A Pap smear is a test your doctor does to check for signs of cancer of the cervix. Technically, vaginismus means the painful, involuntary contraction of the muscles in a woman's vagina, prompted by an attempt at penetration. You do not need a Pap test before age 21, even if you are sexually active. Browse 572 pap smear stock photos and images available, or search for gynecological examination or gynecologist to find more great stock photos and pictures. Some women don't really know what the doctor or nurse is doing down there or what they're testing for. I would seek out a different doctor - no matter what their gender. This is done by taking a swab to collect cervical cells to be examined for abnormal growth and other indications of precancerous/cancerous cells. MYTH: Getting a pap smear is always extremely painful. Pelvic examination: This test is not performed on all women unless they've had sex or have certain symptoms in their vagina or abdomen. Medicare Part B covers a Pap smear once every 24 months. i want my husband does that. A pelvic exam doesn’t affect your virginity. One may also ask, does a speculum hurt if you are a virgin? can a doctor do the test without a speculum? Getting your Pap smear every three years if you're … A pelvic exam is a way for doctors to look for signs of illness in organs in a woman's body before, during, and after menopause. Honestly the speculum is more uncomfortable than the actual thing they use to scrape your cervix. MYTH: Getting a pap smear is always extremely painful. If you had a partial hysterectomy — when the uterus is removed but the lower end of the uterus (cervix) remains — your doctor will likely recommend continued Pap tests. The speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina. For most women, turning 21 has an odd caveat to go with the milestone: their first pap smear. I have never compared my technique to other physicians. My question is, do I have to get it even if I'm a virgin? Tell your doctor if you are a virgin. It only means that the cells that line the cervix do not currently show signs of damage caused by a persistent HPV infection. Gynecologists use these tools to keep the vagina open during the procedure. "If you're a virgin — meaning you haven't had sexual (vaginal) intercourse — you probably don't need a Pap smear. Key Facts. That is also what a well-respected gyno told me when I was 18 (citing the documented low … You will feel some pressure, but it shouldn't hurt. 1 priority for medical professionals conducting pelvic exams and pap smears. As I've said, it isn't painful for me; I just try to keep my muscles as relaxed as possible so my OBGYN can do the exam. Ages 30 to 65: The new guidelines from the American Cancer Society and others say that you can have the Pap test every five years—as long as you have a … You don’t need a pap smear if you’ve never had any sexual activity. Xper 4. Even if you think you're not, you're most likely tensing … This will help relax your vaginal muscles and make this part of the test easier. The test may be covered once every 12 months for women at high risk. If you’re tempted to order, “Take it out!” then cover your mouth, clench your teeth, take deep breaths, whatever it takes to prevent those words from escaping your mouth. Consequently, maximizing patient comfort should always be a No. LOL. While the American Cancer Society recommends that any woman 21+ get a pap smear, according to Mayo Clinic, if you're a virgin, pap smears are pretty much unnecessary. Pap every 3 years: Maybe you're thinking about the hpv cervical dna test that's done the same time as your pap smear. The speculum probably shouldn't hurt to much either--even if you are a virgin. I've recommend this to my friends whom are virgins, and they're all fine with it as well. If it does, the problem may be the speculum size. If you're a virgin, a smaller speculum would be used to see your cervix. 11 /11 Does the first time hurt? Some discomfort is not unusual the cervix is sensitive and having smear can cause tummy pain and some spotting but always good to get checked out. Pelvic exams are done to find out if you have a gynecological problem. SPOTTING AND CRAMPING AFTER PAP SMEAR Pap smear result says shift in flora, what does this mean? bleeding during my Paps smear Pap smear if you're a virgin Why does it hurt? After counseling the patient and getting consent, your doctor will “insert the speculum like she might during a pap smear,” Rosser said. ETA: The benefit to your health in getting a pap smear should override any apprehension you feel. You may need to have a pelvic exam if you have vaginal discharge, pain, irregular periods, or other symptoms. The Pap test looks for cells that are not normal and can cause cervical cancer. Yes, you do. Sounds like you'd be very low risk but if you're worried, you could do a HPV self-test, that's very likely to come back HPV- and then you can forget about it. Nothing wrong if you do or don’t bleed. Sounds like you'd be very low risk but if you're worried, you could do a HPV self-test, that's very likely to come back HPV- and then you can forget about it. I had been going to the gynecologist for years. Once the speculum is inside the vagina, it is opened so that your pediatrician can see your cervix. In addition to having a standard physical exam, you will also receive a pelvic exam, breast exam, and pap smear. The purpose of a Pap smear is to collect cells from your cervix, which is the lower end of your uterus. I'm 31 and my first pap, I cried through the entire procedure and for about an hour after I left. We're never told what actually happens during a pap smear, so, let's lay it out. 10. For a woman who has it, though, it can mean much more: humiliation when she can't endure a pap smear, confusion when she can't use a tampon, despair when she discovers she simply can't have sex without agony—or sometimes, at all. That is also what a well-respected gyno told me when I was 18 (citing the documented low rates of cervical cancer among nuns). Gynecologists use these tools to keep the vagina open during the procedure. A Pap test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix that show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer.. Pap screen testing should begin at age 21. There's no test that a doctor can do to tell if you're a virgin or not because virginity means different things to … i am a 24 year old virgin, worried that pap smear will break my hymen. And when it comes time for a pap smear, let them know you've been hurt by paps in … Technically, vaginismus means the painful, involuntary contraction of the muscles in a woman's vagina, prompted by an attempt at penetration. Does a pap smear hurt if you're a virgin? The doctor said when a female turns 18 she should get a pap smear. Gynecologists use these tools to keep the vagina open during the procedure. Doctors start performing Pap smears after you’re sexually active, or at age 21 in the U.S. and 25 in Canada, even if you haven’t been sexually active. Do Pap smears hurt if you are a virgin? Pelvic exams are a standard procedure that’s recommended as soon as a woman becomes sexually active. Typically part of your well-woman exam, a Pap test helps screen for cervical cancer by detecting abnormal changes to the cells of the cervix. If you’re not sexually active, doctors recommend that you have a cervical exam every three years throughout your 20s. Schedule the test when you won’t be having your period. By detecting cervical cancer early through a pap smear, you will have a better chance at making a … MYTH: If you get a pap test before having sex, it means you're not a virgin. Does a pap smear hurt if you're a virgin? I guess it might hurt more for a virgin, but I don't know because I never had one until after I was married. One encouragement: If you’re a virgin, you may be tempted to think that sex is like a Pap smear (or worse). MYTH: Getting a pap smear is always extremely painful. MYTH: Getting a pap smear is always extremely painful. In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, human papillomavirus (HPV). One tip: bring a pad, especially if you’re a virgin, you may bleed a bit afterward. Gynecologists use these tools to keep the vagina open during the procedure. Let your body go limp. During a pap smear, your physician will insert a speculum inside your vagina to spread it open and allow visualization of your cervix. 1. It shouldn’t usually be painful if everything as it should be physically and you have no vaginal soreness or infections; however, most women do find it a little uncomfortable. I've never had a pap smear, nor have I had sex. It’s also normal for the first Pap smear age to be before 21, during puberty. The additional pressure may cause bleeding to start again or become heavier. Further, since a Pap test checks for cellular changes and not the presence of virus, a “negative” Pap test does not mean that no HPV infection is present. Pelvic Exam. Also, unprotected sex, using spermicides or other chemicals in the vagina, douching, and washing with vaginal washes should be avoided for 48 hours before the Pap smear. Pap smears are often unnecessary for true virgin women unless they have smoked in the past (based on some studies) or their mother took DES (also known as diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy between 1938 - 1971 to prevent miscarriage and premature delivery. After the doctor puts the speculum in, they will take samples of your cervix and that is just one of them. Don't be silent! Just because your friend's body cleared out her HPV, it doesn't mean your body will automatically do the same. Doing a smear test on a woman who is a virgin can also be quite difficult. The pap test, or pap smear, involves scraping a patient’s cervix to collect cells that can be screened — so yeah, that certainly sounds like it’d be painful. Getting a smear isn't an experience that … Location: United States. The truth is, a Pap smear shouldn't technically hurt. Doctors start performing Pap smears after you’re sexually active, or at age 21 in the U.S. and 25 in Canada, even if you haven’t been sexually active.