In order to perform the test, your doctor will have you take off your pants and underwear (if you feel uncomfortable being alone with the doctor, you can always ask a female nurse or your mom to come into the room with you). Your doctor will then cover your lower half with a sheet and place your feet in stirrups (a part of the examination table). Next, your doctor will insert a speculum (a tool used to open up the vagina a small amount) into your vagina.
Using a special brush, stick or cotton swab, your doctor will wipe around the inside of your cervix. The collected cells are placed (smeared) on slides and sent to the lab. The whole procedure only takes a few minutes especially if you remember to stay relaxed, without clenching your muscles. You may feel some discomfort because the speculum is opening up your vagina but it's not really painful; it's just an awkward situation to be in for a few minutes..(Want to learn more about what to expect from your visit to the gynecologist? Click here. )
When scheduling your appointment, try to plan ahead and make sure you're not having your period the same day as your appointment. Experts also say to avoid sex at least 24 hours beforehand. Also avoid douching, using vaginal creams or vaginal deodorant sprays. These can result in altered pap smear results by washing away or hiding abnormal cells.
