Is it silly to have someone accompany you for your smear / pap test?
371201
I find a PAP smear to be terribly uncomfortable as well. I would suggest trying another doctor, as some doctors are rougher than others. And I have tried female docs, but believe it or not, some of them were the roughest. I work in the medical field, and I have patients who bring friends with them even for things as simple as an ultrasound of their arm. If you are uncomfortable and need support, by all means bring a friend or your husband. Your health is important and you should do whatever it takes to make you feel okay with getting a check-up.
965613
I could be, if you're not a klutz like me! You could find a friend, buy two kits, and perform the procedure on each other, if that's what you're really planning! :)
1015792
Probably the first thing to keep in mind is, that a Pap smear is a screening test, and cannot be used to diagnose any disease or condition.  It can alert a doctor to a possible problem and there are many degrees of cervical dysplasia.  All that dysplasia means is, that the cells on the cervix are abnormal, and can be a possible pre-cancerous condition.  Your doctor will probably have you come in every 3-6 months for Pap smears to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't progress.  Everything will be OK if you are diligent about getting your Pap smears, because if caught early there are things that can be done to prevent complications.
799378
I would do as the hospital says, there must be a reason for it...especially if the scan is to do with the uterus.  Why not ask them...;
547375
I'm still doing tests,examinations,visit doctors and sites about my condition (precancerous cells in cervix and possible cancer of the endometrium). There are lots of supporting groups and organisations if you just search. Hospitals also have specialised personnel in psychology. I think that the best is having friends and family by your side, because all others treat you out of pity.
407759
List all your scripts; its a lot easier to explain the absence of something you are permitted to have than the presence of something you are not permitted to have.  Having the list on file will prevent awkward moments in future meetings.  IF you have to pee in a cup, and IF the tox screen even tests for your scripts, and IF the liquid stuff even screens it, and IF your PO even notices it didn't show up, you can always say "I guess I didn't take that medicine that week."  I wouldn't let it happen too often, though.
717419
You are supposed to go in when you are 18 or sexually active-whichever comes first.\n\nPAP smears check for cervical cancer and anything else that may be irregular down in that area.  \n\nI suggest you make an appointment as soon as you can.  The whole ordeal is only once a year and not that long at all.
380625
Start when your period does. It's very important that you get a Pap once a year. It test for abnormalities. I hated going to the Gynecologist. I never went for my check ups. I ended up having to go because I got pregnant and found out I had Cervical Cancer. If I had not of gotten pregnant I would have been dead 2 years form now. I'm just trying to say be sure you go to a Gynecologist at least once a year. It could save your life.
95469
My own dentist asked that I bring my daughters in for a check-up after they had gotten their first teeth. I have had rather extensive dental work done because of poor dental health as a child/young adult, so I am almost obsessive about taking them to the dentist. I don't want them to have to go through all the procedures I have. I took them with me to every visit I have had. (I checked with the staff prior to bringing them, just to make sure they were allowed to be there.) I think it has helped them quite a bit in being comfortable with the dentist environment. I've never had a problem getting them to go. Of course, they haven't had any cavities. If that ever happens, I might not be able to easily convince them to go back! :)
113718
If you or your partner were sexually active with anyone else at any time in your life, the answer is NO!\n\nDisease can show up years later, it doesn't have to show up in the test now.  AIDS can show up later, HPV can show up later- even if they are not showing up in the tests now.  In fact doctors say by age 50, at least 80% of women will have acquired genital HPV infection.  I'm sure there are others that can show up later too.  HPV infections can cause abnormal Pap tests in woman & also lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, ****, or penis. \n\nThe best & only thing to do is save yourself & then have a strictly monogamous relationship.
131392
For a general exam there are two parts - the breast exam and the vaginal exam.  You walk into the room undress, and put on those oh so fun paper robes, open to the front.  There is a blanket or sheet they give you to cover your lower half.  \n\nFor the vaginal exam you lie down scoot forward, and put your feet in the stirrups.  The doctor will insert a speculum (tool to open things up) so they can look around, and will use what looks like the worlds longest q-tip into you, swish it across the cervix to test for cervical cancer.\nThey then remove the speculum, stick a couple fingers in you with one hand, feel around your hip area with the other, to feel your ovaries.\nWhile this part isn't pleasant, it shouldn't hurt.  Let the doctor know this is your first exam, and often they will tell you what they are doing, use a smaller speculum, etc.  A little spotting after this can be normal. (it sounds awful, but they are very matter of fact about this.  THey will understand you being embarassed and uncomfortable, and every person I have had a check up with has done their best to make me feel at ease, and to get it done quickly.)\n\nFor the breast exam they have you lie down, and basically they feel around your breast.  Once again, not my favorite thing, but at least it doesn't hurt.\n\nAt your appointment you can ask your doc anything you have a questions about.  Funky periods, birth control questions, etc.\n\nThe doctor you have can be either male or female.  If you have a male doctor, they are required to have a female in the room with you while they do the physical exam (don't worry, the female is just a chaperone.  they will not be examining you too!).  \n\nI have had both male and female doctors, and it comes down to preference, you can request either sex dr. when you make your appointment. \n\nBottom line is, when you are done with it, you will feel much better.  It is scarier thinking about the appnt. than it is going!  After, if you like your doc. and felt comfortable, use them as your normal gynecologist.  If not, use a different one the next time.  Ask women in your life - friends, family, who they like to go to.\n\nAnd the up side is if your tests come back clear, you only have to visit them every other year.\n\nGood luck with your appointment.  Good for you for going!  You have nothing to be embarassed about.  Your health is worth it.
444693
You know, sweetie, I've worked in the medical field for 20 years and I've lost count of the girls coming for their first pap.  Here's what I tell them -\n\nFirst, you're doing the right thing.  So many simple things that can become bad things are discovered in a pap smear and prevented.  Plus if you're doing this to get birth control - bravo!  There's no shame in that, sex is the most natural thing in the world and you're taking control of your own life.\n\nSecond, and just as importantly - the human body is nothing to be ashamed of.  The doctor doesn't think any more of looking in your vagina than looking down your throat, and believe me, he's seen thousands.  It's so routine and is conducted so professionally that you should not feel embarrassed.  And everybody's pretty much looks the same.\n\nDeep breaths, try to relax and remember - it's the first thing that distinguishes you as a woman as opposed to a girl.  We all go through it, and after that first one you'll wonder what the fuss was about.
153483
The name is an OBGYN, or Gynecologist, it is important if you are sexually active or over 40 to see one every single year.  Some Gynecologists will suggest only every second year if you are still young and not sexually active.  Doing it every year, they can keep an eye on things, and do yearly tests to get early detection on cancers.  Good Luck, and your English is coming along beautifully! :)
801263
they should not be watching unless they are a student in training or something.  next time ask them to stand behind your head.  also if you don't want them in there they don't have to be.  i have kicked assistants out of exam rooms every time.  i just say I'm not comfortable with some one else being in here and they politely just leave.  its never been an issue.  if they give you a hard time tell them no deal you are finding a new doc.  you have rights.  and one of them is your privacy and the other is to refuse anything you want.
844827
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.
45740
i have one who acts as both. i am really comfortable with my dr, so she serves as my gyn. it all depends on if you are comforable enough to have your regular doctor looking at your stuff every year. i think it's great.
322894
I work at an outpatient imaging facility and I perform ultrasounds.  I am well aware that it can be uncomfortable to fill your bladder for an OB or pelvic scan.  I do not need to wait for a doctor to do a patient exam.  In about 90% of instances, I am on time or ahead of time.  If I am running late, it is usually because a patient, at some point in the day, has shown up late for their appointment.  It is very hard to make up 15-30 minutes later in the day.  If one patient is late, it makes everyone else wait for their appointment.  So, don't assume it is your technologist who is slow or showing up to work on time.  That usually is not the case.\n\nAnyhow, if you know your body well enough, you can alter the drinking instructions which were given to you.  If you know your bladder fills fast, drink a little later than they tell you to.  In order to do OB or pelvic or kidney exams, for that matter, you need to have a full bladder....meaning you must feel like you have to pee.  Good luck, and I am sure you will be fine.  Not one of my patients has ever had an accident!