It’s National Women’s Health Week. Make your health a priority and schedule a well-woman checkup today.
Ask us anything. No judgments.
Can I bring someone with me to my pelvic exam?
Someone asked us:
At Planned Parenthood, can I bring my boyfriend in with me for my pelvic exam?
A lot of people feel a little nervous before a pelvic exam, especially if it’s their first time getting one. And holding someone’s hand always helps when you’re freaked out at the doctor’s office. But many health care providers don’t allow other people in the exam room, for a number of different reasons. This can vary one from provider to the next, so you should call your local Planned Parenthood health center and ask about their policy. But there’s a chance he’ll have to wait for you in the waiting room.
That might sound really scary, but take a deep breath: getting through a pelvic exam – whether alone or with your boyfriend in the room — is something you can absolutely do. A good first step would be to read up on what happens during a pelvic exam, so you have a sense of what the experience will be like. While some parts of a pelvic exam might be a little uncomfortable, none of it should be painful.
When you go for your exam, it’s okay to tell your health care provider if you’re feeling nervous. She can help explain what’s happening and what everything will feel like, which can make the whole thing a lot less scary.
- Alex at Planned Parenthood
Do I have to get a pap smear?
Someone asked us:
Q. Once you become sexually active do you have to get a pap smear? What is a pap smear?
Hi there! Maybe you just had sex for the first time and you’re trying to figure out what that means for your health care routine. Maybe you heard about some changes to Pap recommendations recently, and you’re wondering if they affect you. Maybe you’re about to get your first pelvic exam and you’re not sure if a Pap test will be involved. Or maybe answer D, all of the above! Here are some facts about Pap tests (also sometimes called Pap smears).
Pap tests can find pre-cancerous cell changes inside your cervix — potential early signs of cervical cancer. During a Pap test, your health care provider uses a tiny spatula or brush to gently collect cells from your cervix. A Pap test is usually part of a regular pelvic exam.
The recommendation (from leading health authorities) is that women start getting routine Pap tests at age 21. After that, Pap tests can happen about every three years. Some women might need them more frequently — your health care provider can tell you how often you should have a Pap test.
