What to Expect During Your First Cervical Exam or Pap Test

Just the thought of the annual pap test makes most women cringe. It evokes an image of us, wrapped in hospital gowns, feet up in stirrups. However, the pap test is a very important test that all women should have in order to ensure that they are in good health. The exam, also known as a "smear," is a way to check if the cells in the cervix are abnormal; the test is the best way to catch cervical cancer early. Having a pap test can literally save your life. Then why do many women avoid having the test?

Like I said, it's not the most dignified of all exams. For some young women especially, or those who are not sexually active, it can be embarrassing to have someone see you nude. Additionally there is the misconception that a Pap test is painful.

Well I am proud to say at that 20 years old, I recently had my first pap test. It was a breeze. I'm here to tell you about my experience and hopefully persuade many of you to make an appointment to have your own cervical exam.

It is recommended that women have their first pap test 1 ½ to 2 years after they begin having sex, or at age 21, which ever comes first. The exam is quick, lasting roughly five minutes.

In my experience, my Pap test was accompanied with my yearly physical. I was weighed, had my pulse and blood pressure taken, and asked the routine questions ("What medications do you take?" "Do you have any allergies?") that accompany all doctor's visits. I was then given a gown and a blanket and asked to remove all my clothes except my socks. However, if you are having just a Pap test, and no breast exam, you are asked to remove your clothes from the waist down only. In a few short minutes, my doctor came in. She then looked in my eyes and ears, listened to my heart and lungs, felt my breasts and stomach for lumps and any pain, and then checked my feet for a pulse. Fortunately for me, everything was normal. Now it was time for my Pap test.

The nurse came in with the instruments. I then laid down on the exam table, with my bottom by the edge of the table and my heels up in the stirrups. I had the blanket on my legs and really couldn't see anything past my knees. The nurse then lubricated an instrument called a speculum. It's this plastic clamp kind of thingie with a light inside. Previously speculums were metal, but now they are disposable plastic, designed for one use only. That certainly can reassure you that the instrument is clean! Then the doctor inserted the speculum into my vagina. It widens the area so that he or she can see the cervix. It's not really a painful process; it's just very cold. It's sort of an uncomfortable sensation for the first moment, but then it's not so bad. The doctor then swabs the area. While examining you, the doctor can actually see your cervical cells and may tell you if she notes any abnormalities in the size and texture. But still, it's best to wait for the lab results before coming to any conclusions either way. Next the sample is inserted into a tube and it's all set to ship off to the lab. Then the doctor will sort of poke around down there for a minute, this process known as the pelvic exam. He or she will ask if you feel any pain. Chances are, you will suddenly have to pee badly though, because he or she is touching near your bladder. Again, not painful, just a bit uncomfortable. Nothing intolerable unless there's something unusual with your body, but then, it's a good thing it's caught early on, right?

And the pap test is done! You can hop off the table and get dressed.

Overall, the pap smear is such a simple procedure that it is really sad that women neglect to have their annual exam done. The effort and awkwardness are nothing when you think about the benefits. My words of advice are, however, to make sure you have a physician with whom you feel comfortable for your first Pap test. It will definitely ease your fears. Just remember that the doctor is looking at you in a professional fashion and that he or she is not going to judge your body. It's his job after all.

I urge all women to have their annual cervical exams. It will empower you when you know that you are healthy.