Question 1

how  long does a pap smear exam take?

Accepted Answer

10 minutes: The pap smear itself is a very quick test in which cells are sampled from the cervix; it is just one part of the overall pelvic exam. Some people confuse a pap smear and a pelvic exam and think that having a pelvic exam is the same as a pap. Women should have yearly pelvic exams but a pap is not always a necessary part of the exam and this is decided by your doctor based on your history.

Question 2

what are the differences between a pelvic exam and a pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Pap vs Pelvic Exam: For a pap, the doctor places a speculum in the vagina and uses a small soft brush to sample some cervical cells. The cells are sent to a lab to check for cervical cancer. 
A pelvic exam includes a bimanual exam where the provider places a finger in the vagina and uses her other hand on the abdomen.  By doing this, the doc/np is able to tell the size of uterus and ovaries.

Question 3

can you please explain why a pap smear is performed on your first trimester exam?

Accepted Answer

To make sure it is n: Normal because if it is not, and if it is highly abnormal u may need a leep cone while pregnant which is high risk and u would want to do that early and if ithe pap is not that bad you would just need a colposcopy and no further treatment except u need closer monitoring lke another pap at 3-6 months and a pap at your 6 weeks check instread of a yr from your 1st trimester pap if it is normal.

Question 4

i made an appointment2have pap smear&talked2doc ahead of time(triggers my rape)&still didn't go n.it's been 6.5yrs since last exam&i don't know what2do?

Accepted Answer

Difficult situation: You're doing the right thing talking ahead of time. Work with a therapist if you haven't already. Getting past the trigger will be difficult but make sure you don't neglect your own health. Self care is very important in any type of posttraumatic stress recovery. When you go, have a support person with you and find an empathic doctor. Your friends will know one.

Question 5

is pap smear still required for women who are in pre or post menopausal stages? recently had my mammography but have not seen my fp for my yearly pap smear and other routine exams. am wondering if this is still nescessary at my age. thank you.

Accepted Answer

For : For women in "transition" years (40-60), the obgyn community still recommends a yearly exam.  This is an opportunity to evaluate the genital structures, both inside and out.  A genital skin exam is important as well, and typically not done by other providers.

Pap testing is used for early identification of cancer of the cervix.  Your pap regimen is based you your history of any abnormal paps.

Assuming you have had a normal paps, and you still have your cervix, the actually pap test can be decreased to 3 year intervals.  Most authorities recommend discontinuing the pap test at age 65 or 70.

Continue to get your annual mammograms, consider colonoscopy if you are over 50, and visit your doctor to update your pelvic exam.  Best wishes and good health.

Question 6

can std's like hiv be picked up in a pap smear exam?

Accepted Answer

No: Pap test is not designed to test for hiv. Some stds, e.g., herpes infection may show up in pap, but one needs specific tests for each type of stds.

Question 7

is it ok to start using depo before a pelvic exam or pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Often yes: Many doctors will prescribe various forms of contraception without doing a pelvic exam in healthy low risk patients.

Question 8

would trichomonas be detected on a pelvic exam that did not include a pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The best way to make a diagnosis of trichomonas is by collecting a sample of discharge in saline and looking at it under the microscope.  The doctor  can easily identify the moving trichomonads.  When they are dried on a pap smear, they can be confused with vaginal cells.

Question 9

is it dangerous that i havent been to obgyn in a year? i go yearly for well woman exams but bc of insurance change and now covid, i havent seen my obgyn. my first pap smear was normal @ 22. now 23. is it crucial?

Accepted Answer

Yes, its crucial: A 23 yr old sexually active female needs to see the OBGYN Dr yearly to detect STD's, cervical changes, and to monitor contraceptive methods. All insurances cover well women exams. Call your Dr to see if they take your current insurance. If you are not covered, call a local clinic which perform most of these for free or reduced cost. Dr offices are taking many precautions to prevent covid spread.

Question 10

can you be forced to get a pap smear or pelvic exam?

Accepted Answer

NO: You should never be forced to accept any medical exam without your consent. This would be a crime!
Of course it is smart to get certain exams and you should think carefully about the risks and benefits of refusing an exam that is advised by your doctor.....

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Doctor answers about:

Pap smear video exam

A member asked:

How long does a pap smear exam take?

A member asked:

What are the differences between a pelvic exam and a pap smear?

A member asked:

Can you please explain why a pap smear is performed on your first trimester exam?

A member asked:

I made an appointment2have pap smear&talked2doc ahead of time(triggers my rape)&still didn't go n.it's been 6.5yrs since last exam&i don't know what2do?

A member asked:

Is pap smear still required for women who are in pre or post menopausal stages? recently had my mammography but have not seen my fp for my yearly pap smear and other routine exams. am wondering if this is still nescessary at my age. thank you.

A member asked:

Can std's like hiv be picked up in a pap smear exam?

A member asked:

Is it ok to start using depo before a pelvic exam or pap smear?

A member asked:

Would trichomonas be detected on a pelvic exam that did not include a pap smear?

A member asked:

Is it dangerous that i havent been to obgyn in a year? i go yearly for well woman exams but bc of insurance change and now covid, i havent seen my obgyn. my first pap smear was normal @ 22. now 23. is it crucial?

A member asked:

Can you be forced to get a pap smear or pelvic exam?

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