[sera300]

First it does not hurt. The doc will bring you in and ask you a host of questions. The nurse will take a blood (finger stick) to check your blood counts & an urine analysis (void in the cup) to make certain your urine is fine. They ask questions, have you unchanged, alone. You put legs in stirrups and your lower body is covered you with a sheet, & upper is covered with a gown. Generally they warm a speculum and will slowly open it...looks like a duck bill. They take a sample of the cervix using a small swab which resembles a tiny brush/comb & puts it on a slide to examine. If necessary the may to other tests at that time. If you take a deep breath & relax the muscles there is no pain.

The the speculum is removed. And the doc lubes up a few fingered gloves...and does a bi-manual exam to feel your uterus and ovaries. lastly they check the rectum quickly. You go in clean up (in the bathroom) they give towelettes. And then return to the office so the doc can go through issues with you and answer questions...do you want birth control? Questions re: sex issues? And expect the weight management to be brought up. Why? It is a serious issue.

They will call you in about a week with your test exams. All practitioners should explain the process before they do anything. Most experience pain b/c they tense up their muscles. It's painful at all; I find it about as much fun as going to the dentist...they are necessary "evils" to maintain good health.

The more you relax & let your knees drop to the side...the better off you are...out of politeness, be certain to shower prior to going to the doc for an exam. This is something you must get accustomed to as a woman...otherwise you are jeopardizing your health. My mom dragged me when I was 13 I did not want to go. She did not explain why nor did the doc explain a thing. I think I was traumatized...was not sexually active. At that time I was still happy riding my bike. Thankfully she did. My paps came back abnormal--dysplasia. A few biopsies and treatment & the abnormal calls went aways...these are indicative of cancer...or of a severe infection which I did not have.

Sexual health for both men & women are imperative. You may feel uncomfortable...it does not bother an of us as practitioners...and respecting a patient's shyness through keeping them covered is helpful. Write out a list of questions beforehand. Bring them with you, and be certain to ask. If you have a question after leaving call the office...most are happy to call you back. Be certain when you go in the exam room you let the nurse or doc know this is your first exam...these are no big deals...you have heard exaggerated responses form women.

Discuss options of his using a condom to prevent STDs and you using a BC method to prevent pregnancy. This is part of what we need to do to be healthy! Taking the first step is the worse part but there is nothing to fear...just the unknown!