Cervical examination? What does it involve?

Question

I want to go for a full exam at my local GUM clinic and I was just wondering what this entailed?

I'm 16 years old and always used protection with my last boyfriend but the condom ripped a couple of times. So, as much as he told me he never had unprotected s*x with anyone, I'm choosing to get checked out, (as I've learned not to trust lads at all.)

So what do they do? And what do they check for? Do they do a smear as well? Do I get a hollywood done first? Someone please talk me through it!

I'll basically award points to whoever tells me exactly what to expect language that isn't "over-the-top medical speak"

Thanks

Answer 1

Don't worry about the exam. It's slightly silly and embarrassing and can be a teensy ouchy but not bad. The dr. will look at the outside of you for anything unusual then do an exam with his fingers to feel for anything unusual on the inside (this can be pinchy when he presses slightly on your ovaries.) Then he will insert a speculum which is an instrument that will hold open your v****a which provides more visibility to the inside. This is strange feeling but not painful. Then he will do a pap smear which is a little pinchy, scrapey feeling but over in an instant. He will also probably examine your b*****s with his fingertips to look for any lumps and to show you how to examine your own b*****s.

Don't work yourself up, it's over quick and will keep you healthy. I swear the discomfort is minor.

You don't need to do any special grooming. If you shave, the doctor now has to decide if what he's looking at is razor rash and bumps or SOMETHING else.

My sister is an OBgyn and she told me once that if a woman picked only one part to wash she wished it would be her FEET.