[Victaga]

Ok, my best friend started going like four months ago and keeps telling me I needa start going to, but I'm like REALLY nervous about that. I was hoping someone might be able to ease my mind about the whole thing! Like tell me how they go about things and such.

[catwoman]

I remember the first time I ever went. It was nerve wracking but it's very quick! You'll go into the doctor's office, they'll check your blood pressure, pulse, etc just like a normal appointment. Then she/he will give you a gown, she/he will leave the room. You get naked (I usually leave my socks on) and put the gown on and sit on the table. They will knock and come in. They will probably ask you if it's your first time, if you have any pain or discomfort, problems, things you'd like to discuss etc. If you're sexually active they may ask if you would like STD tests run. They will have you lay down on the table, you'll scoot forward and put your feet into some stirups. The entire time the doctor/nurse practitioner will explain what they are doing so you'll know when they touch you and what they are doing. They will take a metal object and put a little lube on it, and they will insert it into your vagina. You'll hear a couple clicks (it's just opening you enough that they can get inside with what looks like a large q-tip. Next they will swab the inside with the large q-tip. You may feel this, it doesn't hurt, just feels weird, but that takes literally 3-5 seconds. Then they will remove the metal device and feel your pelvic area. They will insert 2 fingers into your vagina to feel your cervix and to make sure everything feels normal. Then, they will give you some tissues and a light pad and leave the room so you can get dressed again. It's really pretty quick and painless. Some women experience a little discomfort when they are inserting the metal device, but nothing to be afraid of AT ALL. You'll do great! Once you go the first time you'll realize that it isn't that bad. I personally think the worst part is sitting in the waiting area!

It is very important to go though. How old are you by the way? Are you sexually active?

[catwoman]

Also- you can choose whether you have a male or female doctor. Whichever you feel most comfortable with. I am more comfortable with a female doctor, so I make sure to make appointment with a female. Some women prefer men and some have no preference. It's completely up to you and what you're comfortable with.

[Victaga]

I'm 19 and yeah I'm sexually active. The metal thing makes my super nervous! I would probably go with a female doctor!

[jen1447]

Don't worry hon, you'll be perfectly fine. Seriously. LOL - my boyfriend has a female doctor who gives him prostate exams (finger in bum), so if he can handle that, we can handle anything.

[catwoman]

I was 19 when I went for my first time as well. Don't let the metal thing scare you. There shouldn't be any pain with it. The worst will be just an odd feeling with very minor discomfort, which is why they give you a light pad before you leave, because some women can get irritated easily and spot a little (I never have, but I think they give them out for courtiousy).

[Victaga]

Is it super expensive?

[catwoman]

Do you have health insurance? Without health insurance it will be the normal doctor visit charge, and then you will have to pay for the lab tests of your pap result. I don't really know what this will cost. You could check out Planned Parenthood in your area, they may have a income based plan.