It’s very common for women to experience anxiety and be intimidated about having their first pap smear. This may be due to uncertainty about what goes on during the procedure and other worries, such as the embarrassment of having a gynaecologist examine your private area. However, it is highly important to get medical care down there to screen for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or any other abnormalities that might put your health at risk.
Many may say that you should only start getting pap smears once you’re sexually active, but professionals advise that you should get your first pap smear once you reach the age of 21, whether you’re sexually involved or not. Additionally, females aged 13 and above who experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, excruciatingly painful periods, unusual secretions or any sort of problems regarding their reproductive system should consult with a gynaecologist sooner.
If you’re wondering what actually goes down during an actual pap smear examination, we’re filling you in right now. First, you will be asked to undress from the waist down and you will be given a sheet to cover yourself so you wouldn’t be completely exposed. You will then be laying down on the exam table and a lubricated speculum will be inserted into your vagina. The doctor will then take samples from your cervix and it is then placed into a tube to be sent to a lab for processing. Finally, the speculum will be removed. That’s it! Usually, you would be notified about your results two to three weeks after your visit.
Do not be afraid to consult with your doctor and ask questions until you’ve got all the accurate information you need. Especially if you have questions pertaining to sex, disease prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, your menstruation or your changing body, you shouldn’t hold back because you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. You should be well aware about your own body and you must recognise the importance of being informed. Also, you should ask your doctor about the available treatments you can get and look into why these problems are occurring.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you should get a pap smear once every two years if you’re in your 20’s. Subsequently, women in their 30’s who have had three consecutive regular pap smear results should undergo the examination once every three years.
Do take note that this is just basic information you should know and that you should consult with your doctor personally for more in depth advice.
Here are some places you can get a pap smear in the Klang Valley:
NCSM Women’s Cancer Detection Centre
Ground Floor, No. 66 Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz,
50300 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-2698 7351
Fax : +603-2698 2087
Gleneagles Hospital (Kuala Lumpur) Sdn. Bhd.
282 & 286 Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-4141 3000
Fax: +603-4257 9233
PrimaNora Medical Centre
B1-13, TTDI Plaza,
Jalan Wan Kadir 3,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
Tel: +603 7728 2886
Fax: +603 7726 2886
