Pap exam difficulty

[Anonymous]

I've posted in Health and Medicine too, but maybe women on here can advise as well ...

I am ashamed to admit this, but I have never successfully had this exam. In my 30s, no children yet (though it is a plan for DH and I). I tried to have the exam earlier this year, but I just couldn't get through it. I somehow have an aversion/strong fear of the exam, and I know it is never pleasant or welcome for most women. This also ties into my problem, I'm sure, of penetration (probably I'm too nervous and clamp up). (Very thankfully, I have no history of being abused, so that is not a factor here.) If any women out there can relate and share advice (tips, gentle/good doctors), I'd really appreciate reading your reply. Thanks everyone.

[Anonymous]

Get a prescription for ativan or another tranquilizer to take prior to appt.

[Anonymous]

Thanks ... I'm wondering, though, if there are non-drug ways I might approach this. If anyone has suggestions say for their relaxation techniques, or again, just a good doctor whom they are treated by, that would be great.

[Anonymous]

I had the exact same problem. So, know you are not alone. As I am sure you are aware a pap is a very important test in maintaining your overall health and is one of your best tools in early detection of cancer or other abnormalities. However, I probably don't need to tell you that but with this knowledge in mind, a few years ago, I finally got the nerve up to go to the doctor for a pap. I was really nervous and explained to the doctor the problem that I was having before he even did the exam. He was great about and talked through everything he was doing, was super gentle and before I knew it, it was over. The nurse that I had was also great and she held my hand during the exam and kept enouraging me that I could do this. You can do this too. Probably the best thing is to find a doctor that you are comfortable with. Now this could take a few appointments until you find the right doctor for you and you can just schedule an office consultation to talk to them and get introduced. Once you do the pap once, you will see that it is not that bad and is relatively quick. It is not painful and the more you try to relax, the easier it will be. You may want to try yoga to practice breathing and relaxation techniques that you can use yourself when the exam is taking place. The best thing is that you probably only have to have a pap once a year, so you can do that right??? I also want you to know that in the last year, I had been going through fertility treatments and had countless exams and it is all a breeze now. I am now pregnant and you know what that means, more exams! So, I am really glad that I got over my fears when I did. You can do it too. Good luck and having been in the same position, I am rooting for you.

[Anonymous]

I had a lot of the same problems...I would say the same thing as pp...I just downloaded to my doc and told her how worried I was...she was awesome and supportive.

Maybe if you could schedule a consult with the doc before you actually went in for an exam...you could get through the first meeting without anxiety, making a second check-up more 'doable'.

I certainly don't think you are alone...

[Anonymous]

Hi 12:53, wow, it is kind of you to share your experience and offer support. I'm indeed inspired to read about these types of successes, same from you too, PP. I know having the exam, if *only* one can relax, IS supposed to be manageable. I'm so afraid of trying to go for it and again not succeeding ... and to top it off, though I shouldn't care, having to contend with possible attend or insensitivity again from the practitioner. Well, I know I can't not work on this "problem," so I truly do appreciate any feedback that's offered to me. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

(sorry ... I meant, having to contend with possible judgment or insensitivity again ...) OP

[Anonymous]

OP - Your issue that uncommon. My PTs (Restore Motion in Rockville) specialize in treating women with these issues, as do others. Treatment can include PT and/or counseling, depending on the underlying issues. In any event, if you are looking for understanding and know-how, I'd talk to them.