What happens at a smear test?
Question:
Answers:
You go in and they will ask you to remove your trousers and panties (behind a screen) and lie on a bed. They will probably give you a blanket to cover yourself with.
You have to put your legs up on these styrups so they're held open (very undignified but not painful) They then insert a metal instrument into your vagina to hold it open (its uncomfortable but doesnt hurt) so they can take a swab (which also is uncomfortable but doesnt hurt) and then they take the metal thing out, you get drest again and get your results in the post a few weeks later.
Hope this helps.x
Lousarah described it pretty well. The metal instrument is called a speculum; some doctors have nice warming drawers they keep them in so they aren't as uncomfortable going in. The stick they use is like a specially shaped popsicle stick or tongue depresser that has a little nib that fits into the indentation of your cervix. They kind of twist it to scrape some cells off the inner curve of the cervix. It's really pretty quick.
Many many women are nervous or shy or worried about these kinds of exams, so you're not alone. I would suggest you mention that you are nervous about it (you don't have to say your were assaulted if you don't want to, but it might help a really understanding doctor to be even more understanding and gentle.) I know for my first time for that exam, the nurse stayed in the room with us so I wouldn't feel so weird having a man doctor messing with me down there. The nurse will often even hold your hand. That was over 30 years ago, and I've had two babies since then, so I've had many, many exams. The key is to be really comfortable and trusting of your doctor. That definitely makes it lots easier. After many years and a few different doctors as some moved away, etc. I ended up with my first female OB/GYN... That was so much better! She has the same "parts", so I could explain the odd sensations I had been having and I knew she'd understand!! So I would suggest to ask around to your friends to see who has a female doctor that they really like and try her out. And if you don't like one doctor, try another next time. As I said, you want to be completely comfortable and trusting.
Good luck : )
More Questions & Answers...