You can expect a lot of things at the OB/GYN’s office. You will talk about your history and your behavior, ask and answer questions, and have your breasts checked. But the most important and sometimes the most nerve-wracking part of the visit is the Pap smear. The Pap smear is a procedure where the gynecologist removes a few cells from your cervix and vagina with a cotton swab or an applicator. The cells are then sent to a lab to be examined for any abnormalities. The main reason for looking for abnormal cells is to find early-stage cancer cells called dysplasia.

If abnormal cells are found in the cervix, 10 years could pass before cancer forms. That is why it is so important to get a Pap smear. You can find early changes and prevent cancer from forming way before it spreads. Early detection is a key in successfully fighting off cancer. If you have any abnormal cells present, your OB/GYN will notify you with the lab results. The Pap smear is also accompanied by a pelvic exam, in which the doctor will examine the reproductive organs by looking at the outside of your vagina and examine your internal organs with gloved fingers and a special instrument called the speculum.

You might have heard a lot about the Pap smear and pelvic exam, but it’s probably not all true. Some girls your age are afraid that the Pap smear and pelvic exam will hurt them. Although the Pap smear and pelvic exam are sometimes uncomfortable, it’s generally not painful. You might feel slight cramping and a scratchy sensation during the test. Contrary to one popular myth, a Pap smear and pelvic exam do not “de-virginize” young women—nothing could be further from the truth.

Your OB/GYN will be very gentle and careful with you on your first visit, so the procedure will be much easier to deal with. Remember that OB/GYNs give pelvic exams and Pap smears all day, and they are totally used to it and know how to avoid inflicting pain. They will talk to you during the test and try to calm your nerves. Try taking deep breaths and relaxing the muscles in your stomach, thighs and buttocks before and during the exam to help calm your nerves. Distract yourself by thinking about something else during the exam. Of course, you can always let your doctor know that you’re nervous and he or she will help to calm you down. Women get pelvic exams and Pap smears done all the time, so there’s no need to freak. As you get older, it will become more and more natural and soon you won’t even flinch.

Click below to read about related topics.

Introduction
Why & When
The PAP Test & Pelvic Exam
Breast Health
Infections
Don't Worry: Questions about the OB/GYN