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Before your Pap test

• Do choose a friendly health provider who puts you at ease.
• Do book your appointment for a time when you are not having your period. Mid-cycle is best.
• Do not have sexual intercourse for 24 hours.
• Do not douche or use tampons, vaginal creams or jellies for 48 hours.
• Do figure out when you had your last menstrual period. Your health provider will want to know.
• Do write down any questions that you have and bring them with you to your appointment. If you wish, talk to your health provider before the exam about any of your concerns of fears that might make a Pap test uncomfortable for you.
• Do go into the test knowing that a Pap test is not painful. In some cases it may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.

Guidelines for the Actual Exam

• Let your health provider know if you have had any abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting or pain prior to your visit, or if you have had any abnormal Pap test results in the past.
• Talk during and after your examination. Ask questions. Make sure you understand everything that is happening. Share any concerns you may have at this time.
• If you are anxious during your test, try some relaxation exercises, like deep breathing. Consciously relaxing your thigh muscles will help also.
• Request that someone else be present at your examination. This could be an office assistant or a friend you bring along.