Pap Smear

[OrangeAppled]

Yeah, they hurt for me also...finger clenching, bite your lip, try not to kick the doctor in the groin kind of hurt. But then I am not one who is known to relax easily either. When I've had manicures, they say, "relax your hand!" constantly - I just can't do it.

 

[ChocolateMoose123]

I don't know what's worse: pedicure, manicure or pap?

They have the same level of discomfort.

 

[swordpath]

I would think a pedicure would be relaxing... Am I missing something?

 

[Domino]

At least they aren't applying nail polish to our cervix. Still feels like they're taking a nail file to it though.

 

[OrangeAppled]

I would think a pedicure would be relaxing... Am I missing something?

They are, but I don't relax easily, which is why they scold me . Pap smears are far worse as they are NOT relaxing....and you're exactly not coming out with a pretty design for sandal weather either.

 

[ChocolateMoose123]

I don't like people messing with my nails. It's not relaxing at all but I like the results.

 

[Tiltyred]

The scrape hurts, or just putting in the speculum hurts? There are different sizes of speculums. You should tell the doctor it hurts rather than trying to be brave. Or get a new doctor. I'm thinking new doctor. Although if you like that one's personality or something about her, give her one more shot. It shouldn't hurt like that.

 

[Malice]

There's different sizes? Hmm...that could make sense with my situation, maybe. I've got a good doctor though, she does her best to make me comfortable (even warms it up first so it's not this harsh cold metal thing being shoved inside me). My old doctor was male...that was a bit weird.

 

[Tiltyred]

There are two brands typically used, the Graves and the Pederson, and they come in small, medium, and large. The Pederson is narrower. So maybe a Pederson, size small.

 

[Malice]

How do you know so much about this stuff? *curious*

 

[cafe]

Do you think they hurt less if you've had babies already? I dunno - I had one male gynecologist who did it and I hardly knew he was there. But that was the only time it didn't hurt like the devil.

And for the record, those disposable plastic speculums? Epic fail! They hurt just as bad as the metal ones!

I have to say, the idea that it hurt so much really depressed me for some reason.

This is probably horrible to admit, but I had my first exam when I was pregnant with my first child. I vaguely remember it being somewhat traumatic, but it was 18 years ago and after four pregnancies I just sort of got used to medical handling, for lack of a better term. I still don't like it, though and since I stopped breeding I haven't been back as much as I should.

Relaxing, IME, does help because fear, up to a certain point, will always amplify pain. It's a lot easier said than done, though. The only thing that has really helped me with that kind of thing is Lamaze style relaxation stuff. Forcing yourself to breath normally and not tense up, etc. I don't know if you have someone close that can go with you and hold your hand and keep you calm, but if you do, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

You know what I always hated? When they tell me that "It's just a little pressure." It makes me want to rip their tonsils out and shove them up their rear.

 

[miss fortune]

*tickles Whatever's cervix* Yes, I did just do that.

Nooooo!!!! :horor:

Even sex from the wrong angle can start that weird, deep tickling that manages to capture my tailbone and makes me want to squirm, laugh, cry and hit someone all at once

 

[Sparrow]

I would think a pedicure would be relaxing... Am I missing something?

They rip your cuticles off and massage your feet and legs....I don't like massages much...unless it's shiatsu style.

 

[swordpath]

Yeah, so after all this talk about Pap smears, I decided to go out and get one to see what all the uproar was about. Man was it awesome!

 

[mmhmm]

man. i used to go to the same gyno as my mother.

 

[Tiltyred]

How do you know so much about this stuff? *curious*

Just because one doctor pulled the speculum out and called the nurse to bring him a size small, and it was much more comfortable. So I started asking questions.

But there is also Google.

 

[PeaceBaby]

Tilty's advice is great - as soon as I knew they came in a variety of sizes, I became proactive and asked for what felt comfortable to me.

Most OB/Gyn's don't even use them though, they go by feel and "speculation" not necessary. Those are the best exams.

 

[Haight]

I think Pat Smear is an ENFP.

I thought he was an introvert when he was in The Germs, but I guess that was just the drugs. Since, he touring with Nirvana changed my belief on that issue.

Go Jews!

 

[Blown Ghost]

Gee willikers, I'm glad I never have to go through anything like that.

Oh, wait. I forgot about prostate exams.

 

[Unkindloving]

You know, it's a good thing these things don't pain me.
I just got a call from my gyno today, saying I'll need another one in 6 months and another 6 months from that.
At least we're in agreement that we want my vag to be in tip-top shape