Pap smears are routine procedure when it comes to female health. It is advised that women start having Pap smears at age 21 or when they become sexually active. While most women describe the sensation of a Pap smear as being just “uncomfortable,” and some have likened it to menstrual cramps, other women rate their experience when getting a Pap smear as a "10" on the pain scale, saying that the procedure burned and stung. There have been women who have had the pain last for several days, often accompanied by bleeding.
Stress
One of biggest reasons women cite for having a negative pap smear experience is that they were too tense during the procedure. Aim to relax at your appointment. A pap smear is never going to be one hundred percent comfortable, but if you are aware that you get nervous going into an appointment, work on calming techniques. If you can keep your legs and stomach from tensing up and breathe slowly, the experience should go a lot better for you.
Cervical Stenosis
In terms of medical conditions that might contribute to a painful Pap smear, there is something called cervical stenosis, the medical term for a cervix that is closed or closing. Among the things that can lead to cervical stenosis are repeated vaginal infections, the cervix losing its elasticity after menopause, trauma to the cervix, cancer of the cervix, and radiation. A closed cervix makes for an excruciating Pap smear.
Gynecologist Gender
Another reason to experience pain during or after a Pap smear is because your doctor was not gentle enough. Many women have found that male doctors, while often skilled in their field, may not be able perform painless Pap smears as often as female doctors simply because they don’t have the same anatomy. Female doctors have undergone Pap smears, giving them an inside perspective on the procedure.
Tips for Your Pap Smear
Doctors agree that pain should be minimal when getting a Pap smear, more along the lines of “uncomfortable” rather than “painful.” For the majority, the main thing that’s felt during a Pap smear is pressure. However, pain is not unheard of when getting a Pap smear, and cramping and menstrual-like symptoms occur for many women.
If you experience pain during your Pap smear, the most important action you can take is talking with your doctor. Pap smears, when performed correctly, should not be extremely painful. If you feel as though your doctor is a contributing factor in the pain, it’s time for you to pick out a new gynecologist. One of most recommended ways to pick out a new doctor is to consult with your female friends and see who they use.
Don’t stop getting your routine Pap smear if you have a painful experience. Pap smears are used to screen for things like HPV and prevent cervical cancer. Switch doctors, work on calming techniques, and remember that you are not the only one who has had a painful Pap smear.
