Paranoid about doctors visit..

So, everyone needs to get a check up...down there...by the doctor.  Everyone. I know that, but what I didn't know, is that you get a Pap test done if you want The Pill.  Greeeeeeeeeeeeeattt.  I don't know how I could go through with it, I would be so nervous, it would be soo... akward O_o.

I don't know what to do, it's a win/lose situation no matter what I chose, I know I'm not the doctors first and I wont be the last to get checked there, but still, O_O it just makes me uncomfortable...

It's really not as bad as you're expecting. And if you're having sex you definitely should have one. You need to get checked once a year. The doctor has seen so many vag's it's not a big deal. My doctor likes to make small talk.... that's actually what makes me feel uncomfortable-- I prefer silence.

The awkwardness isn't as bad as you think. The whole thing lasts like 5 mins.

it's a few minutes of the awkardness-  it's uncomfortable and I hate it but it must be done!

your cha-cha won't hate you for it :)

It's not bad.  Most of the doctors/nurses take extra care to make it as comfortable and quick for you as possible. 

When I was with my first bf I avoided the doctor too for that reason. Well she gave me the pill without having that test, but she kept saying she wanted to schedule an appointment for it...I just got a prescription for 3 packs at a time and never made the appointment :P

This summer I finally got my first one done (I'm 23), I decided it was important enough to bite the bullet and get it done (I got the full physical, std test, blood test etc). Like the other's said it wasn't as bad as you make it out to be. Yeah it's awkward but it's so non-sexual feeling, it's just some poking around with a cold piece of plastic.

I used to want to go on BC just for my skin, but when my mom told me I'd have to go through that I started crying my eyes out.  I'm super modest and conservative..I even cried when my doctor just had to look me over without clothes on.  Yeah, I'm a baby I guess =P

I'm super nervous about having to have it done even though I've heard it's not that bad.  BUT I just don't want anyone seeing me uhh..down there. haha

I just remind myself that doctors have seen so many though, and I seriously doubt they will remember you (sorry to break it to ya =P).  To a doctor, it is just a body part.  It's not as personal to them as it is to us.

I'm dreading my pap next month.It has been two years since my last one.To me it is uncomfortable  because you feel alot of pressure but it does go by pretty fast. :-).You'll survive.lol

You'll feel a lot better about the process once it's over. It's impossible to explain because I'm sure it's uncomfortable in different ways for everyone, but you'll be fine. By the time you're my age (34) you'll be striping off your clothes and assuming the position while your doctor discusses her/his favorite tv show and asks you to "please scoot down a bit more". It's a very important appointment. I mean, especially if you plan on having children someday, a doctor will eventually have to check things out.

Billions of women have had it done and most of them (likely all of them) were feeling similar to you before their first visit. I was freaked out too...until it was over. Then I was like, "that was it? okay. um, thanks?"

Make sure to wear awesome socks.

You should try going in for a chlamydia and gonorrhea test when you're a man, and get your HIV test results on the same day.

I tell ya, I was dreading that day for a long lonnnnnnnnng time.  I had to have a few shots of Jose Cuervo ready for that special day. Each time I see a q-tip now, I shudder ( HOLY SH** OUCH!).

I think I'll become a vestal virgin for a few years before going back out into the mighty jungle and placing myself in a situation where I need those devilish tests again. But the truth sets you free, after all the pain, misery, and worry, I had one fo the happiest days of my life.

Is your doctor a male or female?

Some feel comfortable with either gender but it might help ease your mind if you see a female doctor. 

i think unless ya have an excessive amount of piercings on your hoohoo they wont remember ya at all... lol my last asked my if mine did anything for me... said shed always wanted to ask.. i think i was the first w a hood piercing lmao that shed delt with, so she *might* remember me.. sorta... lol.. but it definetly sound like you are the type to not be noticed... unless this is why your so nervous lol. But Drs have seen it all.. you have nothing that will bother them... not even turn theyre heads! (not even if its a guy)

Original Post by fortius:

You should try going in for a chlamydia and gonorrhea test when you're a man, and get your HIV test results on the same day.

I tell ya, I was dreading that day for a long lonnnnnnnnng time.  I had to have a few shots of Jose Cuervo ready for that special day. Each time I see a q-tip now, I shudder ( HOLY SH** OUCH!).

I think I'll become a vestal virgin for a few years before going back out into the mighty jungle and placing myself in a situation where I need those devilish tests again. But the truth sets you free, after all the pain, misery, and worry, I had one fo the happiest days of my life.

 i have a friend that plays arond so much he goes in quarterly... meaning 4 times a year, for all the tests he can take... more power to him... but freaks me out lol!

Don't think about it, it seriously not as bad as you are imagining, and once you've had one you won't worry about it again, I go at least every 2 years, 5 minutes of being slightly embarrassed is a whole lot better than the alternative.

I've had male and female drs and I wasn;t more or less comfortable with either. I don't know if it's the same where you are but in the UK there always has to be 2 people in the room at any time, and if it's a male dr the nurse has to be female.

I've had 2 sexual health check ups (for my own peace of mind) and 5 Paps in the last 9 years.  It;s no different to me going into the Drs and saying "I've got a sore throat" to "hey, could you just check out my cervix".  :o)

Don't worry, really.

 

Original Post by undertherainbow:

Is your doctor a male or female?

I originally went to a male doctor and I was completely uncomfortable but it was only once a year so I toughed it out.  After I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I immediately switched to a female doctor as my doctor visits would be much more frequent (obviously). 

Some feel comfortable with either gender but it might help ease your mind if you see a female doctor. 

I also prefer having a female doctor- for my OB/GYN and my GP. If you think you'll be more comfortable with one gender over the other feel free to request a specific doctor. It's not a big deal I promise you.

It is not really as awful as it seems.  It is something that women do need to do periodically for their health.  To make the experience more comfortable, you might want to see if you can find a female gynocologist and also ask if they warm the instruments.  There's nothing like cold metal in an awkward place to really make all your muscles tighten up and make life uncomfortable.  Definitely let them know when you schedule your appointment and again when you show up at your appointment that it is your first time.  Do not use your normal GP, go to a gynocologist.  They do so many of them that they are not awkward and it doesn't take very long.  Your GP might do 10 in a year, the gynocologist probably does 10 in a day.  Plus if your GP is unsure, you'll be referred to a gynocologist whereas the gynocologists have a very good idea of what is usual and unusual so you're unlikely to end up with multiple appointments.

yeah i would also recommend going to a specialist or someone that does them all the time. the speculum thing doesn't hurt (i don't even feel that part really) but the pelvic exam part where they stick fingers in you and press on your abdomen isn't so fun. it only takes a min. though. it gets easier the more you do. i even had one PA looking around in there with a little flashlight. hah

funny that they make you get a pap even if you're just using the BC for acne or lighter periods

i went today...!

i ALWAYS dread it, and then i ALWAYS feel so much better afterward and wonder what i was so worried about.

you will be fine. i always like to wear socks or jewelry that i really like so i don't feel COMPLETELY naked. :)

good luck!

 edit: by naked i mean..besides my paper dress. dont want to freak you out. you are covered up most of the time with a gown.

Original Post by chelseafeilen:

yeah i would also recommend going to a specialist or someone that does them all the time.

 Absolutely.  I don't know about where you live, but in Australia we have health nurses at various community centers who are the best people to go to.  They do this sort of thing all day every day, so they are quick and efficient.

Every woman who is sexually active needs to have regular Pap tests regardless, but you should start having Pap tests when you turn 18.  They can use a pediatric speculum which will leave the hymen intact.  I always thought that you could wait until you have sex before you had to start having the dreaded pap test, but its not true.  Unfortunately one of my friends found out the hard way.  She was a 'good girl' and didn't have sex until she was married at 24, when she had her first Pap test at 25, they found she had advanced cancer of the vagina.  If she had started having tests a few years earlier they would have found it.  Unfortunately she had to have a hysterectomy.  It was such a shame, all she wanted to do was have children.

I hate having a Pap test and I am a midwife, and do far worse things to women! I delivered a friends baby once, and years later she was talking about a birthmark that she had.  I said "What birthmark?" she said "You know, down there!" expecting me to remember what her vagina looked like.  Poor thing, she thought that her vagina was burned into my memory.  It isn't.  When I have my test every two years, I see it as my penance for what I have done to hundreds of women.  I can assure you that it means nothing to the person doing the test, they may be examining your ear for all they care.  We also don't sit around discussing the occasional odd one that we may come across, or any interesting piercings either, it really is not a big deal to people who do it everyday.

Just think that you are doing something really good for yourself that may save you life one day.

Well, I am 18 and sexually active, so it's not to the point of one or the other anymore, haha, it's both and I KNOW I have to go. I know it's going to be weird at first, but it's better to know now then find out when it's too late. Pluuuuss, The Pill would be a nice thing to have (would put my boyfriends mind at ease, even though he's in alberta most of the time, but when he isn't =D).

I just don't know how I'm going to get it done, by that I mean, get there and such, if I even leaked to my parents that I want The Pill, my dad would freak (and I live on my own....and I can't drive).

There is a walk-in clinic not too far from here, but still, I don't know if that would make me feel any better.

Hi Kumi,

This is meant in the nicest possible way, but if you are old enough (mentally) to be having sex, you are old enough to tell your Dad that you are doing it and going on the pill. 

He probably suspects anyway seeing as you are 18 with a BF, and I'm sure he'd rather the pill than the "You're going to be a grandad" talk. :o)

Just bite the bullet.  BTW, telling your Dad for the first time will be more painful than your PAP!!  :o)  Good luck with both. x