[summer16]

I am 16 years old and have been having heavy and irregular periods since I was in 7th grade.
My mom is concerned, and I am aggravated, with having such long and heavy periods so she is taking me to the gynecologist. She hasn't made an appointment yet, but you know.
Well, I was talking to some of my friends and they said I will have to have a pap smear done. I thought you only had to have one done when you are over 21 or have had sexual intercourse for at least 3 years. My mom said that they would do things differently with me than they did her(she had the same problem) since she has had kids and I have not. She said the gynecologist will probably just talk to me and have a blood test done to make sure I am not low on blood.
So here are my questions:

[1] Since I am going to see about my horribly heavy and long periods, what will most likely happen during the visit? Details on this please, especially if you have had the same problem and went to the gyno.

[2] Will they do a pap smear? I am a virgin, and I didn't think they would while you were on your period and I am now.

[3] What "solutions" would there be, or what will the gynecologist most likely do for my irregular periods?

I thought most likely I would be put on birth control. Is this the only solution other than surgery, that's what my mom had done.



I hope this didn't bore you or is too long.
I'm just a scared girl in need of answers.


Thanks.

[Mes T]

Hey! I went in for the exact same problem at right around the exact same age, and after a few simple questions, the doc just put me on a low dose of birth control pills. Even though I endorse non-hormonal methods when it can be helped, I think this is the best option for people in your situation. To be honest this is a really common 'problem' with a really quick solution. I think you'll be really happy with the results. No need for a pap smear, and definitely no need for surgery!

When you do have a pap smear in the future, don't worry too much about it, it can just be a little annoying but nothing more than that.

[heryseshta]

I actually was put on birth control when I was about 13 because of severe cramping, the doctor didn't think I needed a pap until I was 20, and that was because I became sexually active around then. A pap isn't that big of a deal though, I thought it would be much worse than it was. What really made me get over my nervousness is by thinking about how often a doctor does them.
Also if you are on your period you can't get a pap done. Good luck with your visit.

[CHANDLERS WISH]

I also was immediately put on a low dose birth control, to regulate and stop the heavy bleeding and monthly pain, i kind of ended up on the school yard floor, every time rolling in pain.

No pap smear, ... there is no reason for you to have that yet and correct, you can't have one when you are on your periods.

They may as suggested above also take a blood test. Just to check further things...

You'll be fine sweet.

Good luck.

CW

[Guest]

I had the same problems when I was around 14 and they just put me on a low-dose birth control, which really helped. No pap smear, until I was sexually active. Just some questions. You'll be fine!!