RISE Blog | What to Expect at Your First Pap Smear

By: Erika Camarillo, Peer Educator
October 7th, 2021

So, you're getting ready for an appointment with your gynecologist. It's normal to be nervous since it can be a vulnerable experience. We're here to hopefully put your mind at ease- the gynecologist isn't as scary as you may think! Those with vaginal reproductive organs are recommended to begin seeing their gynecologist at 21 years old for their annual exams. It's possible to see your doctor before then, but that is entirely up to you and dependent on your concerns and family history. Today, we'll be talking about what you can expect at your annual exams if you've never had one before!

First a History

Annual exams include a history, evaluation of your concerns, physical exam, breast exam, pelvic exam, and a pap smear. You'll be expected to let your provider know about your personal and family history; during this, be sure to mention specific cancers including breast, ovarian, and cervical. You will also be asked about your sexual health, partners, and activity. It's important to be honest when answering these questions, even though the answers may be really personal. Your provider is not there to judge you or tell anyone else the answers that you share confidentially with them, they're there to give you the best care they can. The catch is they can only do this if you're honest with them.

Next Q & A

Next, your provider will ask you if you have any concerns regarding your gynecological health. Even if you think it's minor, you should mention it. It doesn't hurt to ask and will put your mind at ease. You will then be provided with a gown to change into. Your provider will let you know how much you'll need to undress for your exam; oftentimes, you'll undress completely before putting on the gown for the physical exam

Then the Physical Exam 

The physical exam is brief. Your physician will listen to your heart and lungs, feel your abdomen and pelvis for anything abnormal; the breast exam will follow. The purpose of the breast exam is to look for lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge. Although your provider will do this annually at your appointment, it's recommended to do this once a month at home. This can be done easily in the shower. Pay attention to how the breast exam is done in the office and ask your physician if you have any questions on how to do this yourself.

Finally the Pelvic Exam 

The pelvic exam is used to look for growths, masses, or other abnormalities. Specifically, your physician will be checking your vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, rectum, and pelvis, including your ovaries. They will use a metal tool called a speculum. This tool looks like a duck's bill. This tool is not a one-size fits all and they vary in width and length. If you feel pain at all during the exam, you should let your physician know right away because they may be able to use a different size that works for your body or conduct the exam in an alternative way.

For the pelvic exam, you will be laid back and asked to put your feet on footrests to allow the physician to see down below. The speculum is covered lightly with lubricant and is inserted into the vagina. Expect to feel some pressure and some discomfort; however, if you feel pain, you should let your physician know right away. The speculum is open about an inch or two in order to allow your physician to see. This may also be an uncomfortable experience, and you may also feel more pressure due to this. It's important to make sure that you are pushing your bottom towards the floor and keeping your vaginal muscles relaxed. This will make the process move along more quickly. Tensing your muscles will make it more uncomfortable for you and harder for your physician to see what they need to. 

A Pap test, also called a Pap smear, is done to screen for cervical cancer. This is done during your pelvic exam. Your physician will use a special swab to scrape cells inside the vagina. This is a quick process but can also be a bit uncomfortable. If you feel pain, let your physician know right away. 

At the end, if you choose to, you may also be swabbed or have blood drawn to test for STI's (sexually transmitted infections). If you are sexually active with multiple partners, it is recommended that you get tested for STIs once every 3 months; if you are in a monogamous relationship, it is recommended that you get tested for STIs once a year. 

You're All Done!

And that's it! After the exam, your provider will leave the exam room so you can clean up any lubricant used during the exam and get changed into your clothes before leaving and checking out. Typically, your results for any tests conducted will be sent to you via a protected patient portal or you'll receive a call with your results within 1 – 2 weeks. 

Your first trip to the gynecologist can be scary, especially if you don't know what to expect. We hope you're feeling a bit more prepared for this experience and we have demystified the process a bit! 

 

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