For the past five years, I have been avoiding getting a Paps Smear for my wellness checkup. Keep in mind, in order for me to stay on my birth control, I have to take this exam but you don’t have to unless you are having sex. I started birth control my freshman year of college because my mom wanted me to have just cause I ever had sex. I really use the pills for my cramps during my cycle because it hurts less. Every time, I did my wellness check, there was always an excuse because I didn’t want to take it. The thought of having a clamp down there is nerve wracking. I know I should woman up and take it but I am scared. I have had different people telling me their experience and they all say you feel a pinch down. They have expressed how the nurses make you feel comfortable and help through this process. That’s great and all, but I am still a little bit terrified. So after five years of avoiding this procedure, I decided to finally have my Paps Smear test done. I needed to do a little research about Paps Smear and the benefit of taking this test.
If you don’t know what a Pap smear means, it looks for precancerous cell changes in the cervix that can develop into cervical cancer if they do not receive the right treatment. The most common question I saw while researching the Paps Smear test was if I am over 21, a virgin, and not sexually active, Do I need to take this test? This question was running through my mind during my wellness check-up. I am not sexually active and I will not be until I am married. According to Healthline, Medical Doctor Michael Weber stated “Most cervical cancers are due to infection from the HPV virus, which is sexually transmitted.” He recommended that all women beginning at the age 21 should get a Pap Smear every three year along with cervical cancer screening.
While preparing for my Paps Smear, it’s important to make sure I don’t do certain things such as have sex, use a tampon, medicine or cream in your vagina, and use spermicidal foams or jellies. When making your appointment, try not to schedule your Paps smear during your cycle. My doctor specifically told me that it is not safe and effective if I tried to do it during my period. Even though, Some Pap Smear tests can be done during a menstrual cycle, it is best to avoid this if possible. As I was preparing for my Paps Smear test, I saw the items the doctor needed to perform for the producere. The doctor will insert a tool, called a speculum, into your private area. The speculum helps hold the walls of your vagina apart, allowing the doctor to see your cervix easily. Once the speculum is in place, the doctor will take samples of cervical cells using a device which is like a soft brush. As I said earlier, the doctor did talk with me through this whole procedure making it easily for me to get through it.
Looking back, this process should have not been a hard choice to make because I believe I am in good health. I was more afraid of the awkwardness and discomfort I was going to have. However, the temporary distress I may feel can be potentially lifesaving to my health. Waiting for Pap test results is stressful because it can take as long as three weeks to get the test results back. If the test results come back normal, I can wait up to three years before scheduling my next Pap smear test. If the test indicates that something isn’t right, I will be contacted by your doctor to schedule a follow-up. In many cases, immediate treatment can prevent cervical cancer from developing, which makes following up so important.
Something that interested me during this preparation was if you are a woman over the age of 65 and sexually active, it’s important to get a Paps test. Even though most women over 65 do not need Pap smears, it is necessary if you have received treatment for cancer in the past 20 years to get one. As a woman, we have health needs that are specific to you and it’s important that we don’t try to ignore them. Scheduling a wellness women exam is an easy and vital part of your health care routine. The point of having wellness women exams is for doctors/nurses to screen for health problems, answer questions you may have and to talk with you about your overall health.
Whether you go to a primary care provider or an OB/GYN for a Pap smear as part of your wellness woman exam, it’s important to make your appointment and go. Don’t wait until it’s too late to know what is going with your body. I know now how important it is to get the test done. I was nervous, scared, and afraid of the discomfort but I got it done! You should too! Schedule your wellness woman exam today.
