My 1st Pap Smear Test

I did mine @Pantai Medical Centre, Bangsar by Dr. S. Mahes. Remember, I did mention about her last year. If anyone were to perform my 1st pap smear, it's gotta be her. I'm confident that she'll be really really really gentle..



First, she asked me a series of questions like breastfeeding, my menstruation cycle, etc. She then told me to lie down & she did an ultra-scan on my belly to check on my womb. She said with a smile "Everything seems to look OK, u can deliver more babies". Alamak, not so soon la doctor.. =p


After that, the pap smear test begins.. I can't really describe it in words, coz I can't really see it (I closed my eyes with my arm the entire time), but this is basically how it went :


(taken from : http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/womenshealth/pelvicexam.cfm)

(dejavu) masihkah kau ingat? bersalin pun begini?

that metal thing is call a speculum

You will be asked to lie down, slide to the end of the examination table and put your heels in the footrests, called stirrups. Feeling tense, anxious or even embarrassed is common at this time. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can be helpful. Your clinician will first look at your external genitalia for signs of redness or infection then proceed to examine your internal pelvic organs. To do this, (s)he will separate the walls of the vagina with a speculum. The speculum is a slender metal or plastic instrument that looks like a duckbill. (siap ada screw okeyy, I could feel my doctor screwing it.. scaryyy) It should not pinch and may be warmed or moistened before being gently inserted into your vagina.

Though the pelvic exam may be an awkward experience, it should not be painful. You may feel pressure that can be uncomfortable but should not feel pain. Tell your clinician if this is not the case.

At this point, your health care provider can see your cervix. The cervix is the lower portion of your uterus and can be a site of abnormal cell development. The clinician may do a Pap smear at this point.

Additional tests for vaginal or sexually transmitted infections can be taken at this time as well, if necessary. Then the speculum will be removed. A small amount of vaginal bleeding or spotting after your exam can be normal. You clinician will next place two gloved fingers into your vagina while their other hand gently presses on your lower abdomen. This identifies the size, shape, and position of your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Again, you should feel pressure but not pain.

Finally, a rectal exam may also be performed. (I tried to get up at this time, thinking it was done.. malu je) Still wearing a glove, your health clinician will insert a finger in the vagina while another well-lubricated finger is gently inserted into the rectum. This is done to determine if there are any masses in the anal canal and also to feel the uterus, cervix, and ovaries. Again, try to relax. If you want to refuse the rectal exam, please let your clinician know.

OK, this is the moment of truth. Pap smear DOES NOT HURT! Seriously.. it REALLY does feel awkward & discomforting but it does not hurt at all..

Get your pap smear test today! (hahaha...)