It’s okay to be feeling anxious before the pap smear test. The process can make you emotional. The doctors know this feeling, so they want to make a pap smear test as easy as possible for the patients. By having some information, the journey will become comfortable. The 5 Important Tips for pap Smear Test are
Gather All Details about Pap a Smear Test
The cervical cancer screening test is pap smear. A medical provider uses a long device called a speculum to hold the walls vagina for the brush to collect cells from the cervix. The cells are then taken to a lab to check for abnormalities that can indicate cervical cancer. The painless procedure may make one feel pretty uncomfortable because of the pressure from the speculum. The thought of having a tool inside for several minutes is not a pretty feeling. But remember, the urgent care pap smear test would take only 30 seconds, including the brushing part lasting for five to fifteen seconds.
Urinate Before Test
Before the urgent care pap smear test, try to pee to relieve the pressure on the pelvic area. With a full bladder, you might feel uncomfortable. Peeing beforehand can help you avoid the tricky situation. Also, there can be a need for urine sample later. So, you can collect it and provide it when needed.
Ask for a Small Speculum Suiting Your Body
When the speculum is inserted in the vagina, it can give a discomforted feeling. Now, there are speculums that come in different lengths and widths. The smallest speculum will give a different feeling. The shortest and narrowest ones are available at the clinic. They are usually called pediatric speculum. The most important thing is that the vagina walls will open to two centimeters wide during an urgent care pap smear test.
Use a Plastic Speculum
A metal speculum can be chilly, unless heated. You can ask for a plastic speculum as they are disposable. While, a Pap smear test can get you cold feeling, but heating the speculum by holding it under warm water or keeping it in a heated drawer will give you warmth.
Share Your Medical History
Sharing details about your medical, sexual history or identity will give a clear picture to the doctor performing the urgent care pap smear test. They will make you feel comfortable because they will be aware that you have inserted stuff in your vagina or are sexually active. They would themselves choose the speculum, and would walk you through the process comfortably.
Conclusion
Having knowledge about the procedure of urgent care pap smear near you will ensure your pap smear test will go effortlessly. Ask the medical provider to narrate the whole pap smear test experience. During the test you can divert your mind by asking questions about your job, weather, etc. to make light of the situation. Good Luck.