Ask the doctor to show you what kind of instruments he or she will be using during the exam and you will see that they are not that that intimidating. A speculum inserted into the vagina and used to open the vagina so that the cervix is visible, is either metal or plastic, and comes in three different sizes. A pediatric speculum is very small--about the size of your index finger, and usually used on virgins. The middle-sized speculum, about the size of a super absorbent tampon, is used on a sexually active patient who has never given birth. The largest speculum, about an inch wide, is for women who have given birth.

 

The speculum should not hurt when it is carefully inserted into the flexible vagina, and most doctors will heat it to body temperature before they insert it. Once it is in, your doctor or nurse will use three more tools, each collect different types of cell tissue, to take a pap smear. The first is a cytobrush and almost identical to a mascara wand. If you think of your cervix like a mini doughnut, the cytobrush fits in the middle opening and the doctor will gently rotate it once. The second instrument looks like a tongue depressor with a kidney-shaped tip and lightly scrapes around the curved edge of the mini doughnut, your cervix. Finally, the doctor or nurse uses a very small cotton swab to swipe the tip of the cervix and check for chlamydia. You will feel the items in there but no pain is associated with them.

 

Will I have to wait long for my results? Finding out your results should only take a week or two. How often do I need to return? After the first visit, a woman should return annually for regular check-ups.

 

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