Im 22 tried to have my first pap smear and it was so painful I cried, and felt like I was being ripped ( I wasnt just hurt so bad ) They stopped. Im not and have never been sexually active. I just could not relax. When a doctor tells your to relax and they just keep shoving the thing in it does not help you relax.
I'm so sick of doctors saying that pap smears shouldn't be painful. They are horrendously painful for me. I hurt my back from tensing up so bad during my last pap smear. I had to see a chiropractor and go through physical therapy for weeks after. It was truly a horrible experience. I dread and hate pap smears with a tremendous passion that I can hardly describe.
Just had my first pap smear today and it was so painful. My doctor told me it was because my cervix is farther back than most and to the side as well which meant she had to maneuver the speculum and it hurt so bad. Glad to hear I am not the only one who has experienced a painful pap considering that most websites talk about how they are "painless" and just "mildly uncomfortable". Someone warned me to take Tylenol beforehand but it didn't help and I was so nervous there was no way for me to untense my muscles. Wish there was a solution for us women who have experienced painful paps.
For some women pap tests are indeed painful. My last pap test was a nightmare. I experienced a sharp, burning, stinging sensation it was a 10 on the pain scale. It literally felt like a hot knife was being jammed inside me. I screamed the pain was so intolerable. The doctor continued on despite this and I screamed again and the doctor mumbled something about using a smaller speculum. She took out the first one and inserted the smaller one and said , "The cervix must be hiding today." I felt like I was going to vomit. Finally she was finished and said , " I'm sorry I hurt you." She seemed almost embarassed and hurriedly left the room. I sat there unable to move, shaking uncontrolably and retching. After a few minutes I got up and got dressed then left the exam room. I vowed I would never go through that kind of TORTURE again. Now after my traumatic experience do you think I'm ever going to TRUST a doctor to give me a pap test again?!!! The doctor wasn't being rough so it wouldn't matter which doctor did the test.I REFUSE to be put through such agony again, the pain I experienced was way above my pain threshhold. Death is preferable than some things.I threw away the letter last year informing me of my yearly physical/pap being due. There are apparently many more women out there than the clueless doctors realize that experience excruciatingly painful pap tests yet little is being done about it.
I am so sorry for you but I can definitely relate. I'm much older than you and post menopausal, so take that for what it's worth. I had pap smears for many years with my former gynecologist and not once did I have any discomfort or pain. When I started with a different gynecologist a few years ago (we had moved) I fully expected no issues...but shock of shocks, had an excrutiatingly painful experience. Like you, I wasn't going to return...especially since I had never had an abnormal result and no history of ovarian cancer in my family. But, my PCP urged me to try again. This time, I told both the nurse and same gynecologist before anything started that the last one was painful and I was very apprehensive. It was somewhat better and they were truly trying to be more careful --- but it was still uncomfortable. Fast forward to yesterday, where I had my first visit to another new gynecologist (in the same practice; the last one I was seeing recently went on extended leave). This was a female, so I expected a much kinder, gentler understanding and tolerable experience. WRONG! Just before we started, I told her and the PA student who was "observing" about the last two painful exams. The doctor basically ignored me; went full speed ahead (including a rectal probe -- which she didn't tell me she was going to do and had NEVER been done by any other gynecologist I've been to) and it was awful. I told her very vocally that it was painful and uncomfortable. She then proceeded to tell me that I had a lot of internal dryness and actually said in front of said PA, "It's dry as a bone in there". Not only a painful experience, but a humiliating one as well. The gyno also said, "I have very small hands", basically implying that I was the problem, not her. She was essentially dismissing the pain and ignoring how awful this was for me. I share this because I was left with the same exact feeling you had -- one of having been violated, and in my case, it was by a female physician! What I did learn (if she's right about it) is that apparently, severe dryness can make the exam very painful, especially in post menopausal women. I have to say that I'm exactly where you are right now: I will not have another test or exam, especially with no history of abnormal results or family incidence of ovarian cancer. The only other suggestion I can offer as other women have shared is to request some type of medication before the exam -- or self medicate with something to relax you. You can also request that they use smaller speculums (they do exist) -- but that might not help much. In any case, you're not alone, and this is not in any way your fault. A truly caring doctor will be understanding and try to help. Hold out to find one. I wish you well and all good health.
I too had a really painful experience during a recent pap spear. I was told that it gets more painful as you get older.. I never had any problems with this when I was younger. At this point I really font know if I would go through this again without a strong painkiller..
I had never had a problem with having a pap test until after I went through menopause. Each time I had one after I was post-menopausal, the pain was worse until the last time I had one it hurt so bad I almost screamed. Then the results came back that they didn't have enough of a sample and I would have to have it re-done. Needless to say, I didn't go to have it re-done. My doctor's office has changed to a new owner and new doctor and I was told that I should have one. I went in to have it, but it was so painful that the doctor stopped and said she was not going to torture me. She said she would send me to a GYN because they can do it a different way. I haven't tried that yet, but I'm scared to let them do anything "down there."
I am 62 and I had a pap smear 3 weeks ago. My primary doctor did it during annual examination. It was uncomfortable and a little bit painful during the test and still I feel discomfort. I am wondering if the doctor could do something wrong, she is not gynecologist and do not practice such things daily? Should I go to a gynecologist for a follow up?
im 29 weeks pregnant and yesterday i had my first pap smear it was so painful i cried i felt emotionally and physically hurt i told the doc it hurt but she didint do anything! ! i got traumatize never want to expirance that in my life time ever again! it was super horible
Just had my first pap smear today and it was so painful. My doctor told me it was because my cervix is farther back than most and to the side as well which meant she had to maneuver the speculum and it hurt so bad. Glad to hear I am not the only one who has experienced a painful pap considering that most websites talk about how they are "painless" and just "mildly uncomfortable". Someone warned me to take Tylenol beforehand but it didn't help and I was so nervous there was no way for me to untense my muscles. Wish there was a solution for us women who have experienced painful paps.
I'm 19 & I just had my first Pap smear test done today... Well they tried. I'm sexually active & this was one of those things that my mom and the dr felt was necessary to do. So I tried. As she was explaining to me and showing me in details what she was going to do I knew in my mind and I kept telling myself I can't do this. But I had to try. I couldn't get comfortable. And just like I figured it would be it was so painful. It was pure agony. I just started bawling like a baby and I had to get up and basically run out of the Drs office. And I said I'm never coming back. My mom and the Drs are trying to get me to go back when I'm ready but idk if I will because I'm not doing that to myself again. Does a lot of women have this problem? I been reading online and I can relate to a lot of these comments talking about how horrible of a experience this exam has been for ladies. I just need someone to talk to about this. I couldn't even let the dr finish or get a sample of anything. I physically couldn't do it. It was like a knife was being jammed up me and I felt pinching and it was just God awful. I just don't want to have to go thru that or anything like that again... Anyone have any advice? Pls & thanks!
I am wondering if anesthesia can be requested???? Mine was unbelievably painful.... I did not let the dr go any further!
Hi, I have always had pap smears and had no problems, but this last one was so painful I screamed and felt like I was being ripped apart. I think I have been going through the menopause for a year or two. I say think because (at least where I live) there is no test you can take and only internet advice. Have not had a period for over a year and have occassional hot flashes, not too bad. Have had problems with sex for about a year as was so painful. Just thought it was because we didn't have it as much as before. But after this recent pap smear I have been googling and found it could be cervical atrophy, cervical closing or cancer!! Am now petrified and awaiting results. The doctor (female) was unsupportive, rough, and gave a throw away comment that the post smear bleeding might be cancer! The support we get is so poor and no reassurance or explanation. I am so terrified and found it so painful I am wondering if I can have elective surgery and have a full hysterectomy so I don't have to have a smear test again and totally reduce chances of reproductive organ cancer to zero.....
Meant to reply to your post, not the other ...
Maybe your cervix is almost closed? I never used to have painful pap smears but over the last few years, they've been as painful as you describe. The last doctor noticed my cervix was nearly closed - hence why the extreme pain. The condition is called Cervical Stenosis. Cervical Stenosis can occur after menopause or if one has surgery such as a cone biopsy. There could be other reasons which could cause Cervical Stenosis. I have read on the web (info from a doctor) that not all doctors are aware of cervixes closing, hence why some doctors can't (or don't believe) women can experience excruiating pain from a pap smear
Maybe your cervix is almost closed? I never used to have painful pap smears but over the last few years, they've been as painful as you describe. The last doctor noticed my cervix was nearly closed - hence why the extreme pain. The condition is called Cervical Stenosis. Cervical Stenosis can occur after menopause or if one has surgery such as a cone biopsy. There could be other reasons which could cause Cervical Stenosis. I have read on the web (info from a doctor) that not all doctors are aware of cervixes closing, hence why some doctors can't (or don't believe) women can experience excruiating pain from a pap smear!
Just remember you are not alone. There are others who have experienced what you have. If you feel you must go through with it find a female doctor as they tend to be less intimidating. Tell her everything and if you don't feel comfortable with her response/attitude you can always leave.
I think you should go to a different doctor and by no means don't neglect to take your pap smear test every year. It's something us women owe to ourselves if we wanna stay healthy. Regarding the pain, i've had 3 pap tests since i became sexually active all of them where a bit painful but not even close to what you describe. I also had a very small amount of blood the next 1-2 days but my doctor said it's normal. The doctor you visited -excuse my language- is an insensitive moron. Ask your friends what gyn they are seeing and how they like them and maybe choose a woman gyn the next time. Btw you should definately get examined cause an infection from the speculum is rather possible. Hope you feel better soon!
I've had a few bad pap smears - some led to bleeding for several days. Guess what. They were all done by male doctors. I decided to start seeing a female doctor and I haven't had a problem since. Not all male doctors are rough during pap smears, but they can't possibly know how it feels to us (just like we have no real perception of what it would feel like if we kicked them in the groin after said painful pap smear). Not all female doctors are gentle, but since they have the same parts we do, they inherently have an idea of how a pap smear feels and tend to be a bit gentler. I would seek out a different doctor - no matter what their gender. And when it comes time for a pap smear, let them know you've been hurt by paps in the past. You shouldn't have to have to go through that much pain.