How is a Pap Smear Done?
The Pap smear is an examination of the vagina and cervix. You will be asked to get undressed and you will be given a sheet to cover your lap. You will lay on your back at the end of the exam table, bend your knees and hips, and put your feet on special foot rests. The important thing to remember is to RELAX. The more relaxed you are, the more comfortable the exam will be. Breathe deeply through your nose and out through your mouth to relax all the muscles in your body. The doctor will then insert a special tool called a “speculum” into your vagina and take a sample of cells from your cervix. The exam is not painful, let your doctor know right away if it hurts. The doctor will spread a thin layer of cells from your cervix on a small piece of glass and send it to the laboratory where it will be looked at under a microscope. What does a Pap smear tell the Doctor? The Pap smear will tell the doctor if there are any problems with your vagina or cervix. The doctor will know if you have an in
A Pap smear is done during a pelvic exam. A speculum is inserted into your vagina and opened so that your health professional can clearly see your cervix. There are two parts to it. First, a tiny brush is twirled in the opening of the cervix and rubbed on a glass slide. Then a small wooden spatula is scraped around the entire outside edge of the cervix. This, too, is rubbed on the slide. Your health professional then will send the slide to the lab for examination. Many girls have a small amount of bleeding after a Pap smear. Don’t worrythat’s probably normal. Most health professionals’ offices have pads in the bathroom for you to use after your exam. Feel free to take one. But if you’re worried that the bleeding is not normal, talk to your health professional. back to top What does a Pap smear feel like? You probably won’t even notice the Pap smear being done. You might feel a little bit of pressure when your cervix is gently scraped. It’s also a bit uncomfortable to be in the pelvic e
