Pap smear... what to know and do?!?

I dont know anything about a pap smear and I have been having some female problems (no period for 6 months, not prego either) and I was told I really need to go in for a pap smear.
My question is what do you do to get ready for one?
Do you have to stop having sex for so many days or be shaved all the way?
Anything at all??
And does it hurt?
I really dont know anything and Kinda nurvous to go and have one done.
Thanks in advance too!!
Sorry if this is too personal I just need some help.

Don't douche, despite what the earlier person says. First of all, douching is bad for you because it cleans out the bacteria and natural environment that keep you healthy. But also because it makes it difficult for your doctor to see if you look normal or not if you've gone and added something artificial down there. In fact, they usually ask you not to use any creams, perfumes, sprays, douches, or anything else in the 24 hours before the exam (and no intercourse, either). The no sex thing is for the same reason as the others. Sex can irritate you down there, and semen can obscure test results. This doesn't mean don't take a shower as usual. Just don't try and clean it anymore than usual.

You don't need to shave. Remember that your doctor has seen thousands of privates and won't be shocked by yours, just like looking in a throat.

You def. should start having them annually. Cervical cancer can appear at an early age and is very treatable if caught early. They're not that bad, if a bit uncomfortable to be up in those stirrups. It's over in a flash. Be completely honest with your doctor. They are not here to judge you.

Set an appointment with an ob/gyn right away. You don't need to stop having sex or shave or anything like that. You lay down on an examining table and put your feet in stirrups. The doctor will put his/her fingers into you and make sure your ovaries are there, there aren't any cysts, etc. Then they will insert a speculum and open you further (that is uncomfortable but not painful) and swab you with a long, thin stick in order to collect some cells. That's it; you're done. The cells will be checked for certain STDs and cervical cancer.

Women should start having them when they become sexually active or when they turn 18, and they should be done annually.

It's very important that you relax or it will hurt. Otherwise, it is not painful, perhaps uncomfortable (moreso if you are a virgin, but it sounds like you are not). There is generally a health exam accompanying this; the doctor will also check your breasts for lumps, ask you questions about your sexual activities, etc. Be very honest, even if you're embarrassed; they've heard it all, and it could be important to your health. Don't worry, it'll be fine!

as for what to do before, some suggest douching or cleaning yourself before u go.
you should get one at least once a year with your regular check up or physical.
u don't have to shave
u may feel something cold go inside u then a swab, depends on if they warm the tool up.
doesn't hurt just doesn't feel pleasent.
don't be nervous, just relax, if your nervous it may make it harder for them to get the tool in.
they should let you know what they are doing step by step.
ask questions if u have any and remember they have seen it all before.

To prepare for a pap smear, you should do the following:

Do not have sex 24 hours before the test. It will effect the results.
You do not need to shave.
Be clean there before you go (wash). Do not douche.
It does not hurt. Just relax. You'll feel a light scraping as someone similar to you running your finger inside your cheek as the doctor places the swab inside and takes the sample.
The test takes a second.

It only takes a couple of minutes and no, it doesnt hurt. It can be slightly uncomfortable if you tense up... so just take some deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.

As for shaving, dont unless you normally do. Doctors pay no attention to those kinds of things. Just bathe before you go. Also know that a female must be present in the room. Whether that be a nurse, your mom and friend...

You will put on a paper gown, lay down and have your feet in stirups. They will open you up a little with an instrument and take a sample to be put on a slide for testing, as well they will insert 2 fingers and press down on your abdomen to feel for abnormalities.

It wont be as bad as you think.

Well first of all it'll be more comfortable if ur doctor was female. You should stop having sex maybe 3-4 days before. You'll be asked to strip down and wear a doctors gown. They make u lie back and rest ur feet inside stirrups. The doctor then sticks a q-tip into u to swipe the mucus on your cervix. If the mucus is clean then you have no problems and you have not released an egg yet. If the mucus is dirty then there is something wrong inside of you. Then the doctor lubes you up an inserts an instrument that looks like a ducks bill into your vagina....it doesn't hurt. She just looks around to see if everything is normal. Then she'll insert her finger to check your ovaries. But she'll send off the results to the lab to get more accurate results. But the whole process takes about 10-20 min. Not very long and no pain. I'm glad you're getting yourself check'd....no sooner way to detect cervical cancer.

A pap smear is not that bad how ppl say it is, it hurts only when they open your vagina. You dont have to stop having sex either. I was in your situation to. I ididnt get my period either. I thought I was prego too so I went to the clinic. I told the doctor and put me on birth control. Since then I've been getting my period and I'm safe now. I wouldnt be scared to get pap smear at all. I rather know what I have and luckly I didnt have anything.

Good Luck and dont be scared!

Don't worry, it's not personal. I can help you with them. I'm student at UNLV.

1. If your menstrual period starts when your appointment is scheduled, you will need to reschedule. Remember to call the appointment office and let them know.

2. When you arrive at the Student Health Service, please check-in at the front desk, and you will be directed to the appropriate reception area.

3. You will be called by a nurse for your initial screening, which includes checking your blood pressure and weight, and answering some questions regarding your health history. Be prepared to give a urine sample during this time. The nurse will answer any questions you may have and review the exam as necessary.

4. The appointment with the health care provider includes a breast exam, heart and thyroid exam, a Pap smear, screenings for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a pelvic exam. After the exam, the provider will review your contraceptive options, and you will receive your prescription and encounter form.

5. If you wish to have your prescription filled at Student Health Service, take the prescription to the pharmacy.