Next, the doctor performs a pap smear. It's really easy: she just puts a big q-tip inside you and rubs it around to get a cell sample. When this is done she takes out the speculum.
 
The cell sample [taken from the pap smear] is analyzed to check for cancer or a pre-cancerous condition of the cervix. You can get an abnormal Pap result from a minor infection. Cervical cancer is very curable if it is caught in the early stages. That's why it's so important to make sure you have a Pap smear every year. Some doctors recommend having them every 6 months if you take birth control pills, have genital herpes or have numerous sex partners. If you are sexually active, the doctor will also take a sample of cells to check for gonorrhea.Buy the book! |
Q: Should I wear socks? Or just bare feet?A: It's the same to me! I don't really care if you wear socks or not. It doesn't affect the exam. We have plastic covers on the stirrups that we change between patients and some patients even prefer to keep their shoes on. So, that's fine too!Note: I like to wear socks!
