Pap smear's are evil!

Cright · Aug 19, 2006

I've gone yearly when I have insurance, and will still go every other year on the occasion I don't have insurance.

I've only had them done with a swab, so i've never felt any pain from them swabing inside.. but it is definatly wierd and uncomfortable.

I had my first pap at 12 years old. I used to have cramps that would set me to tears and ball me up in the fetal position for hours. As much as I can say I wish I didn't have to have that (hosptial ER exam) experience.. I can say that it prepared me for the future and what to expect.

Anyway... to the OP... I hope you DO have this exam again in the future, as it will help you to keep track of your health. In my experience, the first is the worst one, and if you find an gyn or midwife you trust, it's even that much easier!

Linnis · Aug 19, 2006

My OB did not do a Pap or pelvic exam during my first visit. Actually I've only had one and that's because I had some bleeding. He didn't do a breast exam either. Some OBs are just horrible at their jobs, I'm glad our first OB is so nice or we'd have switched.

HeatherJay · Aug 20, 2006

Naomi4Christ said:
They are important, but there is not really any benefit to having them annually vs having them every three years. Cervical anomalies are very slow to develop and there are many stages to cervical cancer.

As a cervical cancer survivor (thanks to early detection), I absolutely recommend a yearly pap smear.

CrystalBrooke · Aug 20, 2006

HeatherJay said:
As a cervical cancer survivor (thanks to early detection), I absolutely recommend a yearly pap smear.

glad to have you here i think i'll keep up with one yearly

Athene · Aug 20, 2006

And I think I'll stick to my once every 3 years. And my next one is on thursday, lucky me;

karla · Aug 20, 2006

RoseofLima said:
At a birth center in MD- there is a male CNM. All the women I knew who birthed with him in attendance, really liked him. He was a flight medic in the armed services, and then I guess felt called to become a CNM

At the OB/GYN practice that I go to there is a male midwife and he is awesome. I was hoping to get him for my last delivery, but it didn't happen. So I am hoping for him this time around.

RoseofLima · Aug 20, 2006

karla said:
At the OB/GYN practice that I go to there is a male midwife and he is awesome. I was hoping to get him for my last delivery, but it didn't happen. So I am hoping for him this time around.

Cool! I am so excited for you!!!

Linnis · Aug 20, 2006

HeatherJay said:
As a cervical cancer survivor (thanks to early detection), I absolutely recommend a yearly pap smear.

Thank you, God!

Early detection has most likely saved me from cervical cancer.

Although the choice is completely up to the woman.

I think if you feel uncomfortable with your doctor you should switch doctors. Keep looking until you find one you like.

gracefaith · Aug 21, 2006

Athene said:
And I think I'll stick to my once every 3 years. And my next one is on thursday, lucky me;

Hmmm. Ask them if they would let you have a swab instead of brush if you wanted. I'm curious whether places would let your chooose.

HeatherJay · Aug 21, 2006

gracefaith said:
Hmmm. Ask them if they would let you have a swab instead of brush if you wanted. I'm curious whether places would let your chooose.

I've never felt any significant discomfort with the brush. Maybe it's, ummm, operator/user error? LOL, maybe a different doctor would be more gentle with you?

CrystalBrooke · Aug 21, 2006

the first time i had a pap the brush was uncomfortable, like a scratching feeling...but he was much more gentle the other times i had one so i have no problem with the brush..seems to me like a swab wouldnt be as effective in getting cervical cells

gracefaith · Aug 21, 2006

CrystalBrooke said:
the first time i had a pap the brush was uncomfortable, like a scratching feeling...but he was much more gentle the other times i had one so i have no problem with the brush..seems to me like a swab wouldnt be as effective in getting cervical cells

There's actually no evidence of a difference in the effectiveness of acquiring cells. They have published reports on this. (I mean if you can get good cells off the inside of your cheek with a swab, it should be fine for a cervix.)

Though, I do suspect that the use of the brush is an attempt by some doctors to limit their liability since they are using 'the latest technology.'

Linnis · Aug 21, 2006

HeatherJay said:
I've never felt any significant discomfort with the brush. Maybe it's, ummm, operator/user error? LOL, maybe a different doctor would be more gentle with you?

I think it does come down to the person doing the exam.

You can ask for them not to use the brush. Normally when I ask they use another swab or two to "clean off" the cervix before taking the sample.

Athene · Aug 21, 2006

gracefaith said:
Hmmm. Ask them if they would let you have a swab instead of brush if you wanted. I'm curious whether places would let your chooose.

I've only ever had the swab.

Pap smear's are evil!

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