when they do i pap smear i am 26 and i am sceared to go get one and i havent had sex
135523
When you get a pap smear the DR takes a sample of your cirvex tissue with a cotton swab.  Much like the test for streap throat.  It's just not that easy though.  It can be uncomfortable, even if you have had children.  It is nothing to fear, and is quite a wonderful thing to dectect early problems like cancers.  my 19 yr old daughter has had problems with her cycle and has not had sex either.  The Dr. put her on the pill and told her not to worry about the pap smear until she was active or 25.  My personal thought....If your planning sex in the near future or have a family history of female issues,go to the Dr, if not take your time. Talk to your family Dr.  Most Dr's will understand and talk you thru that process.  Good Luck
515202
Get a checkup from the doctor, get a pap smear\n\nPap smear: Screening test for cervical cancer\nUnderstand the importance of the Pap smear, including how it's done, what it means when it's abnormal and why it needs to be part of your regular health checkups.\n\nA Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a simple procedure that collects cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus. Named after its developer, George Papanicolaou, M.D., the test effectively detects not only cervical cancer, but also changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these cells early is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer.\n\nSince women started having Pap smears more than 50 years ago, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has dropped dramatically. What was once the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States now ranks as No. 15. According to the American Cancer Society, about 3,700 women die each year of cervical cancer — a figure that could drop even further if more women had the Pap smear on a regular basis.\n\nIf you get regular Pap smears, you substantially decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer. But even if you develop cervical cancer, the chances of a cure are as high as 90 percent — if discovered early. The Pap smear is the best tool to detect cervical cancer in its earliest stage.\nWho should have a Pap smear?\n\nThe American Cancer Society recommends that you have your first Pap smear about three years after first having sexual relations or at age 21. After age 21, the guidelines are as follows:\nAge Frequency\n21 to 29 Once a year using the regular Pap smear or every two years using the liquid-based Pap test.\n30 to 69 Every two to three years if you've had three normal Pap smears in a row.\n70 and older You may stop having Pap smears if you've had normal results three tests in a row and you've had normal Pap smears over the past 10 years.\n\nRegardless of your age, if you have certain risk factors you'll need to be screened annually. These risk factors include:\n\n    * A history of sexual activity as a teenager, especially if you had more than one sex partner\n    * Multiple sex partners now\n    * A partner who began sexual activity at an early age or who had many previous sexual partners\n    * A history of a sexually transmitted disease\n    * A family history of cervical cancer\n    * A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells\n    * Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)\n    * Tobacco use\n    * Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth\n    * HIV infection\n    * Weakened immune system due to such factors as an organ transplant, chemotherapy or chronic corticosteroid use\n\nIf you've had a total hysterectomy — surgical removal of the uterus including the cervix — ask your doctor if you need to continue having Pap smears. If your hysterectomy was performed for a noncancerous condition, such as fibroids, you may be able to discontinue routine Pap smears. If your hysterectomy was for a precancerous or cancerous condition, your vaginal canal still should be checked for abnormal changes.\nPreparing for a Pap smear\n\nTo ensure that your Pap smear is most effective, follow these tips prior to your test:\n\n    * 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.\n    * Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. Although the test can be done, it's best to avoid this particular time of your cycle.\n\nHow is a Pap smear done?\nA Pap smear is performed in your doctor's office and takes only a few minutes. First you lie down on an exam table with your knees bent. Your heels rest in supports called stirrups. Your doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into you
449832
Simple...If your concerned have a smear test and if your sexual active then defferantly have one.\n\nmy doctor told me and this is my oncoligist, semin and cancer cells thrive together and usaly makes the cancer cells hatch.....and thats why  women who are more sexual active prone to overian,vaginal,bladder,cervixal cncer.\nlucky for me mine wasnt any of the above but lymphnode...just as nasty\n\nso please dont leave it if your worried..a simple test and a few minutes could save your life.
371903
Pap smear: Screening test for cervical cancer\nUnderstand the importance of the Pap smear, including how it's done, what it means when it's abnormal and why it needs to be part of your regular health checkups.\n\nA Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a simple procedure that collects cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus. Named after its developer, George Papanicolaou, M.D., the test effectively detects not only cervical cancer, but also changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these cells early is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer.\n\nSince women started having Pap smears more than 50 years ago, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has dropped dramatically. What was once the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States now ranks as No. 15. According to the American Cancer Society, about 3,700 women die each year of cervical cancer — a figure that could drop even further if more women had the Pap smear on a regular basis.\n\nIf you get regular Pap smears, you substantially decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer. But even if you develop cervical cancer, the chances of a cure are as high as 90 percent — if discovered early. The Pap smear is the best tool to detect cervical cancer in its earliest stage.\nWho should have a Pap smear?\n\nThe American Cancer Society recommends that you have your first Pap smear about three years after first having sexual relations or at age 21. After age 21, the guidelines are as follows:\nAge Frequency\n21 to 29 Once a year using the regular Pap smear or every two years using the liquid-based Pap test.\n30 to 69 Every two to three years if you've had three normal Pap smears in a row.\n70 and older You may stop having Pap smears if you've had normal results three tests in a row and you've had normal Pap smears over the past 10 years.\n\nRegardless of your age, if you have certain risk factors you'll need to be screened annually. These risk factors include:\n\n    * A history of sexual activity as a teenager, especially if you had more than one sex partner\n    * Multiple sex partners now\n    * A partner who began sexual activity at an early age or who had many previous sexual partners\n    * A history of a sexually transmitted disease\n    * A family history of cervical cancer\n    * A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells\n    * Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)\n    * Tobacco use\n    * Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth\n    * HIV infection\n    * Weakened immune system due to such factors as an organ transplant, chemotherapy or chronic corticosteroid use\n\nIf you've had a total hysterectomy — surgical removal of the uterus including the cervix — ask your doctor if you need to continue having Pap smears. If your hysterectomy was performed for a noncancerous condition, such as fibroids, you may be able to discontinue routine Pap smears. If your hysterectomy was for a precancerous or cancerous condition, your vaginal canal still should be checked for abnormal changes.\nPreparing for a Pap smear\n\nTo ensure that your Pap smear is most effective, follow these tips prior to your test:\n\n    * 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.\n    * Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. Although the test can be done, it's best to avoid this particular time of your cycle.\n\nHow is a Pap smear done?\nA Pap smear is performed in your doctor's office and takes only a few minutes. First you lie down on an exam table with your knees bent. Your heels rest in supports called stirrups. Your doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. Then he or she will take a sample of you
97495
i don't think your doctor can do that. it is your choice, but if you were to go in for a regular pap smear and get birth control and then never go back for a pap and need more birth control, i think the doctor can refuse. you have to have a pap smear in order to get birth control, but like i said if you already had one then i don't think the doc can refuse.
381641
everyone starts at different times - its perfectly normal to have not started it yet. I got mine when I was 13 and my friend got hers when she was 17. Be thankful that you havent got yours yet ... they can cause you so much discomfort.
138410
not sure but you mght want to go check it out with a doctor before it gets any worse or turns out to be something very seriouse\n\nhave you had unprotected sex??\n\nmight want to think back on that
437353
At your annual pap and pelvic, you will first be asked a lot of questions about yourselft.  Your last period, length, pain, sexually active, using birth control, any adnormal paps, an OB history, any questions or concerns, are you doing monthly breast exams (not all questions are asked and sometimes others are asked, but these are just a quick over view.)  They will then do a breast exam, and if this is your first visit will teach you how to do a monthly breast exam.  Then they will do your pelvic exam.  During this then take cells from the cervix which is the pap smear.  They will sometimes do cultures, if you are having any problems (such as if you think you have a yeast infection.)  They will then do an internal exam with a gloved hand to check the size and position of the uterus and the ovaries.  \nDon't be nervous, just go to someone you feel comfortable with.
479821
could be skin tags.If you have never had sex of ANY TYPE.You probably shouldnt worry.May want to have it checked out just to make you feel better.Or type it in and google it for pictures.
547018
No relax.  Celluar changes happen as a result of the human papilloma virus (HPV)  the same family of viruses that cause common warts, like on your hand.  Certain strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer - this is why you get PAP smears.  Others can cause minor celluar changes, still others cause no apparent symptoms at all.  Regardless even in the worst case it is easy to address this problem by getting a colposcopy (a small section of cells is taken from your cervix curing the problem) as long as you follow up as your doctor is directing you.\n\nYour ovary may be ovulating or it may be something entirely unrelated to your reproductive parts.  Nonetheless your physician will probably want to get a follow up PAP in a few months.  If that is normal you are good to go until next year.
206127
You are normal . . . some are small and tight . . . odds are you are young . . . and probably very inexperienced.\n\nWhen you get a little older it may become more pronounced . . . but I wouldn't worry about it . . . next time you have a visit to your gyno . . . if you have one . . . ask your mother to set one up for you . . . and ask her these question.\n\nBut to answer your question . . . you are normal my child.
429708
My doctor told me that HPV can take years and years to show up as something abnormal on a pap smear. I know for some people they can have positive results right away but I guess for the majority of women who don't have other symptoms is can take years to show up. He actually said it could sometimes take 10-15 years to show up as abnormal cells.\n\nThere is a DNA test they can do at the same time as the pap that can tell you if you have HPV (I don't think it specifies as per the particular strain you have). I have read about this test but my doctor hasn't heard of it (Canada).\n\nSo I guess many would be quick to tell you your boyfried cheated. I am not saying he didn't, cause let's face it- it happens. But yes, it is possible for you to have had HPV from a previous relationship (or he is a carrier of it with no symptoms from a previous relationship). It's also possible that having 2 children  put a strain on your body and it was no longer to keep the virus dormant. \n\nGood luck to you.
484170
Bleeding during or after sex could be nothing, but it could indicate that you have cervical dysplasia.  If you're sexually active you should be having a Pap smear and pelvic exam annually.  If you haven't had one yet, this is a good reason to start now.  You need to tell your doctor about the bleeding so she can help you determine if it's something or nothing.
144689
Just because you had a paps smear last month. Doesn't mean that you shouldn't go back to the Dr. It might be a boil forming, or a wart? I would rather be safer than sorry.
316296
Well exams are a great way of screening for problems before they can become BIG problems.  The pap checks you for cervical cancer which, in most cases, can easily be treated when its caught early. If you're sexually active, you may have sexually transmitted diseases/infections with no symptoms that can lead to sterility and even death...worst case scenarios here, but how would you ever really know if you're not getting yourself checked?
146425
It depends on whether or not you have been on a regular contraceptive previously. For example the Depo (injection), the Pill...In any case, a professional physician such as your gynaecologist or doctor will be able to assess you apprioprately and run checks if necessary after a personal consulation. \n\nSo my advice would be to make an appointment with your doctor and have a consultation/check up. For added peace of mind.
352644
If you haven't had a period for five years and now you are bleeding, this is a "change" that a GYN needs to look into.  Since your last pap was normal, this is hopefully a big nothing, but bright red bleeding in a post menopausal woman is something a doc needs to evaluate.  Good luck!