I've never had ...?
Question:
what should i expect my first time and how much is it..i don't have health insurance....
Answers:
Pap smears are really very simple. First, you will be asked to fill out some medical and family history, then, you will be asked to pee in a cup ( most likely ) then, you will be taken back to your exam room and the nurse will then ask you some questions, alot of them very personal, but answer truthfully, it's important. Then, you will be given a gown to put on. The doctor will come in and ask more questions...again be truthful. Remember, no one is allowed to know what is said between you and any medical personnel. Then, you will be asked to lay down with your arms up for your breast exam, this will be done by your doctor, and hopefully she will be able to chat to you during the exam to relieve some of your nervousness. You will then be asked to scoot all the way down to the edge of the table and put your feet into stirrups, these help you keep your pelvis in the right position for the exam.it is very important that you try real hard to relax. I tell our Pt's to let their legs go wide, like butterfly wings. That way, you aren't so tense and the exam isn't uncomfortable. The Doc. will then examine your vagina for any visible problems that need to be addressed. Then, she will insert a speculum in to your vagina to open up the vaginal walls , making the actual pap smear easier. She needs to be able to see your cervix., she will then use a small brush and broom ( sounds scary., but isn't ) to collect samples of cells from your cervix and vaginal wall. This doesn't take to long. She will then, insert her finger into your vagina to check your ovaries, she does this by applying a small amount of pressure on your tummy, and feels with her fingers for any abnormalities. You will then be ask to get dressed again so you can talk to the doctor about what she might or might not have found, and any questions you have. She will then send you a note or a phone call once your test results come back to her.
All of this sounds like NO fun., but it is just so important for our health, that it is only one blip on your day...but might one day save your life.
As for the costs, it depends on where you live. Our office charges about 190.00$ for the first exam, but we do not take insurance, it gets cheaper the next time, and so on. Go to your phone book and see if there is a listing for a free medical clinic, they might be able to help you or at least get you on the path you need to be on. It might also be a good idea to just do some calling around, find out the office policies on payment.
I hope this helped, GOOD LUCK !! and do not worry.
it's very simple really, they use like a long Q tip to get a smear and it is totally painless.
there are probably some free clinics in your area that will do that..make a few phone calls....start with your local hospital. good luck
Here's two good sites to explain everything:
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_he...
http://www.kotex.com
My insurance isn't the best, so the last one I had done cost about $300 (I'm in CA)
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