How to Prepare for a Pap Smear Exam
Schedule your appointment for a week after your period ends., Avoid douching in the days before your exam., Try to avoid having sex 24 hours before your exam., Go to the bathroom before your exam., Be prepared to answer questions about your...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Schedule your appointment for a week after your period ends.
It is important to try to avoid scheduling your pap smear for when you will be menstruating, so aim for a week after your last menses.The test can be done when you are on your period, but to get the best results, it is important to try to avoid this. -
Step 2: Avoid douching in the days before your exam.
Stop douching at least two to three days before your exam.
Douching increases your risk of infection, and may obscure or wash away the abnormal cells your gynecologist is looking for.You should also avoid using any spermicidal foams or vaginal medicines two days before the test, as these can also mask abnormal cells. , It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours prior to the test as this may interfere with the results of the test., The exam can place some pressure on your pelvis, which may make you feel like urinating.
In order to avoid discomfort, relieve yourself before heading into the exam. , If you have a planner in which you mark down the start and end date of your period, bring it with you.
Your doctor will ask you about your cycle, including when your last start and finish date of your period were.Your doctor will also ask you about any pain you experience during your period, whether you have any abnormal discharge, or if you have pelvic pain. , Because you will have to undress to a certain degree, it is important not to wear clothes that are difficult to get in and out of.
You should also consider wearing loose pants or a skirt, as the exam can cause you to feel a little discomfort when it is over. , If you have questions for your doctor that you think of in the days before your exam, make sure to write them down so you remember to ask him or her.
It is important to do this, as many people tend to forget their questions when they are nervous. -
Step 3: Try to avoid having sex 24 hours before your exam.
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Step 4: Go to the bathroom before your exam.
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Step 5: Be prepared to answer questions about your menstruation cycle.
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Step 6: Wear comfortable clothes that can be removed easily.
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Step 7: Write down any questions you have before going to the doctor’s office.
Detailed Guide
It is important to try to avoid scheduling your pap smear for when you will be menstruating, so aim for a week after your last menses.The test can be done when you are on your period, but to get the best results, it is important to try to avoid this.
Stop douching at least two to three days before your exam.
Douching increases your risk of infection, and may obscure or wash away the abnormal cells your gynecologist is looking for.You should also avoid using any spermicidal foams or vaginal medicines two days before the test, as these can also mask abnormal cells. , It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours prior to the test as this may interfere with the results of the test., The exam can place some pressure on your pelvis, which may make you feel like urinating.
In order to avoid discomfort, relieve yourself before heading into the exam. , If you have a planner in which you mark down the start and end date of your period, bring it with you.
Your doctor will ask you about your cycle, including when your last start and finish date of your period were.Your doctor will also ask you about any pain you experience during your period, whether you have any abnormal discharge, or if you have pelvic pain. , Because you will have to undress to a certain degree, it is important not to wear clothes that are difficult to get in and out of.
You should also consider wearing loose pants or a skirt, as the exam can cause you to feel a little discomfort when it is over. , If you have questions for your doctor that you think of in the days before your exam, make sure to write them down so you remember to ask him or her.
It is important to do this, as many people tend to forget their questions when they are nervous.
About the Author
Kevin Clark
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in cooking and beyond.
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