Learn to love those stirrups
Call me crazy, but I love pap smears (aka “Well Woman Exam”), and I think all women should too. Not only do they check for STDs and STIs, but they also are key in preventing and catching cervical cancer as well as many other maladies related to our vags. However, the most important reason for getting a pap smear in this day and age is HPV. While common and easily transmitable, HPV can lead to many more severe problems if left untreated, including cervical cancer.
“About 1 out of 4 women will get the types of HPV that are related to cervical cancer in her lifetime. But, today, only 1 out of 1,000 women who contracts cancer-related HPV will develop full-blown cervical cancer. This is because many women know how to prevent cervical cancer by having regular Pap tests, regularly using condoms, and, when appropriate, getting HPV tests.” (Planned Parenthood)
Unfortunately many women do not share my love for the pelvic exam. This fact makes me sad, so I have decided to write a bunch of reasons to look forward to your exam and not be scared of the yearly pap smear.
The speculum is not your enemy.
Sure it looks like a duck’s beak except it’s metal. Yes, you might get a little nervous when you see your OBGYN bring out the big tube of KY jelly and lube up the device. Seriously though, at the end of the day, it’s just a device and is nothing to be intimidated by. Take a deep breath and let that thing spread open your vaginal walls. It probably won’t be the first time you’ve had something penetrate your vagina.
A pap smear doesn’t hurt that much.
Actually, for me it doesn’t hurt at all. I feel a slight pinch, and it’s done. Really, it’s a bit uncomfortable at first. After all, your privates are being inspected.
The procedure lasts only a couple of minutes.
You can put your legs up in those stirrups and endure some up close and personal time with your doctor for such a small about of time. Waxing your eyebrows takes longer and hurts a hell of a lot more!
Well Women Exams inspect more than just you cooter.
Your doctor also conducts a thorough breast exam and teaches you how to check for lumps yourself. These exams are key in breast cancer detection. My favorite advice from my gyno about self-breast exams is that “it’s like searching for a jelly bean in a bowl of oatmeal.”
You can get a new year’s refill of birth control.
What sexually active girl can refuse a year’s supply of birth control? Oral contraceptives are our friend!
So get over your issues and schedule that appointment. What do you have to lose? Your general practioner can usually provide the procedure, or you can go to a gynocolgist, and there’s always the lovely and welcoming Planned Parenthood and other city-sponsored clinics.
More resources
Pap Tests & HPV Tests
Pelvic Exam
HPV at a Glance
What is a pap smear?
