Virgin + First Pap Smear Test

Cirri · 11-26-2005, 05:59 AM

As some of you have read, I finally made the jump to set up my first appt to get a physical. I'm assuming that the doctor is going to want to do a Pap Smear test since I'm now 25 years old. Of course I'm very nervous about it, but my new fear seems to be leaning more towards the physical pain than actually showing the doctor my stuff! I'm still a virgin and I don't use tampons. As a matter of fact, nothing has ever been 'inside' of me. How painful is the PS when you're still a virgin?

leshia212 · 11-26-2005, 06:22 AM

i personally didn't think it was as horrible as everyone said it was going to be...don't get me wrong...it wasn't pleasant and i certainly did not like it...it was uncomfortable...and the thing that hurt the worst was when the dr used a couple fingers to physically check inside...i told her it hurt and she stopped...good luck...lots of love...leshia

Lfgd20 · 11-26-2005, 06:23 AM

I just had my first PS about two months ago and it didn't hurt, it was just uncomfortable. It seems awkward, but it goes really fast and the doctors have done it a ton.

I fall into all of your categories, so I hope that helps!

11-26-2005, 10:31 AM

I fall into your categories also, and although I have not had a PS yet and I am 28!!! I have my scan on Tuesday next week so I am bit apprehensive about that, it's been a long 6 month wait!

Adoption Momma · 11-26-2005, 03:52 PM

I had my first PS when I was 16 yrs old (due to my PCOS not being dx, they didn't know what was wrong). Yes, it was uncomfortable, but being a military kid, I was the base hospital and unfortunately the nurse practioner wasn't very friendly. I've had other PS between then and when I lost my virginity and if you have a good doctor, he/she will be very professional and gentle. Make sure to tell the doctor you are a virgin. I believe they actually have child-size instruments they can use.

Trust me, showing "your stuff" is yes, a little bit embarrassing at first but remember this is the dr's profession. It's the same as a mechanic looking at engines all day or the burger flipper at McDonald's.

You do know he will also examine your breasts? He will feel each one and talk to you about monthly self-examination. Here's a little funny story for you. Last year, DH and I wanted to discuss TTC w/my dr. DH goes with me to all dr appts and was in the room when dr did my exam. DH and dr literally were discussing football as the doctor was examing my boobies!!!

choirmissy · 11-26-2005, 05:09 PM

I used to have pain. Ask them to use the small (speculum?) whatever it's called. It makes a big difference. Now, it's just slightly uncomfortable.

ABumpyGal · 11-26-2005, 05:45 PM

Hi Cirri

I started getting PAPs at 15 thanks to PCOS. The great news is that things have changed a lot since then and the exams are now much more comfortable than they used to be. They now use smaller, disposable plastic speculums that actually don't hurt those of us who are built on the small side down there, haven't lost their virginity, or haven't born a child. They lube them up well so they slide in as gently as possible. I'm built small, and was still a virgin at 15... any horror stories you might have heard are probably from back then, as those big ol' cold, metal speculums could be tough! If they come at you with one of those, request the "pediatric" size if you can. I think those old monsters are only used in hospitals these days though, thankfully!

The actual exam is very quick. One to two minutes, tops. It's probably less and just feels that long, so it's quick. The only thing you should feel is the speculum inside you and when they quickly feel around your vulva to make sure all is ok there. Sometimes in a full workup they will want to palpate your uterus, cervix, and ovaries. This gets a bit more uncomfy, but I doubt your regular doc (that is who you are seeing isn't it? Sorry if I'm assuming wrongly!) will go into all that. Even my regular GYN does little of that anymore, thank goodness! Even that is just uncomfy, NOT painful. If anything *hurts* tell them and they will stop. Don't just sit and take it, tell them... it's important for them to know.

And yes, they should examine your breasts. In fact I'd request this if they don't offer. This is another exam that sounds a heck of a lot worse than it really is. You lie back, they gently prod about each one, gently squeeze each nipple (just telling ya so that doesn't shock you like it did me the first time!), and that's it.

In all reality though, if you are seeing your regular physician for a physical they may just badger you to go to the GYN and not do any exam at all. This is becoming more and more common as medicine gets more specialized and the fear of litigation gets worse for many doctors. If you do get referred to the GYN, I'd try to find one that specializes in "trauma" even if you have no abuse history. Most towns have at least one. These are the BEST GYNs when it comes to dealing with you in a respectful, non-frightening manner.

(((((Cirri)))))) You'll get through this hon! The worst part, the waiting, is almost over and you'll feel so much better when it's over and done with. If you're anything like me, it won't be ANYWHERE as bad as your mind makes it out to be.

Hope1142005 · 11-26-2005, 06:57 PM

I had my first pap smear when I was 14. Ive always had problems with my period & my mom started taking me to the gyno when I was 14. I was so nervous. I was scared to death. I had been told all kind of stories about how bad it was going to hurt. They coudnt have been more wrong. Every gyno that ive been to has been great. They have talked to me while they were doing the papsmear to take my mind off of what they were doing. I only feel a little pressure and then its over. I still get nervous right before I go back to the room but once the doctor & nurse come in & start talking to me, im fine. I was a virgin when I had my first papsmear and it didnt feel any different than they feel now that im not a virgin. You will be nervous but once its over with you will wonder why you worried so much. Good luck.

4042 · 11-26-2005, 07:24 PM

I agree with all the other post. i to am in your shoes i am 31 just went to the gyno for the first time this year. I am also a virgin. The doctor will talk to you first and ask you questions like if you have ever been sexually active etc. Then they will take you to the exam room and startthe exam. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes. I am not sure about your dr. but I was never fully exposed at one time. I had a gown on and a sheet. When she was performing the breast exam i was totally covered except for the side she was working on. When she moved south i was covered on top and the sheet was covering the bottom. This helped i thought i would be fully uncovered. The Pap was not bad at all. Relax it will be fine. It is the fear of the unkown that is bothering you.

Good luck

Cirri · 11-26-2005, 08:50 PM

Thanks for the info! As I mentioned in some of my previous posts, this is the first time that I've ever gone to a doctor in at least 10 years. It's the first time that my clothes will be off for 'viewing' and the first time that someone else will see me naked. I know that the doctor has pretty much seen it all so I'm trying to find some reassurance in knowing that. I'm also looking at the big picture. Once my health is under control, I'm thinking of going to college so I can get a better job than the one I'm currently stuck in. December 8th seems like months away, but I'm sure that it'll come up fast. I think I'm ready for this... at least as ready as I'll ever be!

kmarie · 11-27-2005, 03:32 AM

hello there,
i wanted to tell you that when you go in for the exam tell the doc that it is your first time and you are very nervous. Also during the exam your feet will go in the stirups, my advice is to relax your legs as far as you can go on each side it opens you up and helps with any discomfort. Relax and breath it only takes about two minutes total

northernpalmtree · 11-27-2005, 04:27 AM

Hi Cirri
I had my first pap at the age of 30 a year ago this month, and I am still a virgin. Let the doctor know first that you have not had intercourse and make them do the exam at your pace. Not that you will but I had quite a bit of discomfort and my doctor was great when asking if she should continue.
My biggest advice to you is you need to relax down there, if you can let the bottom half of you body go and just breathe. I found if I held my breath I tensed up severe soo don't forget to breath thru it.
After your doctor will feel your ovaries, and again try the best you can to relax and breathe.
It will be over before you know it.

Oh and have the doctor talk their way through the exam, letting you know what they are doing and why. Helps to keep conversation going too.

ABumpyGal · 11-28-2005, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirri

Thanks for the info! As I mentioned in some of my previous posts, this is the first time that I've ever gone to a doctor in at least 10 years. It's the first time that my clothes will be off for 'viewing' and the first time that someone else will see me naked.

As some other ladies have mentioned, the doctor really doesn't see much. You certainly don't lie there buck butt naked, thankfully! You're given plenty of drapes, little paper vests, and the like... it depends on the office. Rest assured, they help you out with not feeling all "exposed" any more than necessary though. Some even give you little bootie-like socks to keep your feet warm

They also do a great job of keeping you distracted, as others have mentioned. My favorite GYN office even had relaxing landscape pictures hanging on the ceiling for you to look at as you lay there. It was great

S-piper · 11-28-2005, 02:36 AM

The first time I went to a gyn was when I was 14. I was a virgin and it didn't hurt at all. I couldn't even feel the speculum eventhough it looked huge when the doctor showed it to me. What hurt worse was when the doctor was doing the external examination and he kept jabbing around my belly. I kept tensing up my abs so much that at one point he really reared up with his elbow and jabbed his hand down right above my ovary! That hurt like a mofo! I didn't know I had PCOS at the time but I was diagnosed a few months later so that's probably why it was so painful when he did that.

My second time at the gyn was a few months ago (I'm 19 now) and this one was much more gentle around my tummy then last time. She said that since I still haven't been sexually active yet I didn't need to have another pap smear until I had sex or turned 21. I didn't really mind having one since I had before, but she said it wasn't necessary so w/e.

I think the most important thing to avoid is just keep your muscles relaxed down there. Before my first one I read about how it worked and I was nervous that it would hurt too so I spent the afternoon before my appointment practicing just completely relaxing all the muscles around my pelvis. Evidently it worked because it didn't hurt. You'll be fine, don't worry.

StarsHallowGirl · 11-28-2005, 06:24 AM

I am in the same boat as you i can't wear tampons because i am too tiny and I atoo am a virgin. The last gyno I went to used the smallest tool available. It was about the size of a finger and didn't hurt. Also a anther gyno the one that first dx back in 02 told me to move your feet as in roll your ankles during them inserting it. It helps relax you and just let the dr know to go slower then normal. That helps me. Good Luck I know everything will be ok