Sistas, Make Your Pap Smear Less Uncomfortable With These 10 Tips

Pap smears are an integral part of reproductive health for women. It’s the only way to catch issues with your cervix before they get out of control. Generally, doctors say the procedure should only come with some discomfort, but many women tell a different story. They describe pap smears as being highly uncomfortable and even painful. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help.  10 Ways to Make Pap Smears Less Uncomfortable 1. Empty Your Bladder A full bladder might make the examination more uncomfortable. If you need to give a urine sample, then ask if you can give it at that point.  2. Ask For a Smaller Speculum Speculums come in different sizes so you may be more comfortable with one that is smaller or narrower than the one you’ve experienced before.  3. Talk to Your Doctor You should let your doctor know if you’ve never had sex or inserted anything into your vagina as this can influence how they proceed. The same is true if you have any trauma associated with penetration. 4. Talk About Your Medical History If you have a tipped uterus or vaginismus, you should let your doctor know. Having a tipped uterus may...