A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Ok, well I've been sexually active with my boyfriend for about 2 years now and I had my very first pap smear last year. Well, it's almost time to get my second one and let me tell you, it was very horrible when I got my first one done. I cried because it hurt so bad and I was bleeding for 2 days afterward and had horrible stomach cramps. Now, I'm really starting to get scared since it's coming up and I really want to know, since it hurt the first time, does that mean it's going to hurt this time or any time after? I just need some advice so I'm not so scared going in for it! Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (17 November 2010):
 Tell the doctor about your very bad reaction last year. This is important information for him to know, and honestly, bleeding and cramps for two days is a severe reaction to it, I think. Speak up to him, don't be shy or intimidated; it's your body.
"Doctor, last year when you did this, I bled and had cramps for two days. I am scared of this same reaction. I don't want it to happen again and am very concerned that this procedure be done as gently and smoothly as possible. What would have caused the bleeding and cramps?" And you say all this BEFORE you put your feet in those stirrups. You tell him this flat out in front of everything, okay? Do NOT be SHY!
Good luck.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (17 November 2010): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionIt was for sure a pap smear, I know what a pap smear is-I mean, he told me that's what he was doing. He gave me a breast exam then the pap, where he took samples of the cells and all that, Yes, I know. It was A pap smear, I'm not stupid.
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A
female
reader, Napalm_Angelripper  +, writes (17 November 2010):
 I don't think that was a pap smear.
Although, the same thing happened to me (pain, cramps, bleeding for days afterwards), but that's when they were taking samples to test to see if I had cervical cancer or not, as my cells are abnormal in that area.
I think that's what's going on here ... but it's weird that you wouldn't know this. Ask your doc what's going on.
If you're only going to a pap smear this time though, it should be a cake walk.
-The Resident Metalhead
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (17 November 2010):
You bled from a pap smear? And had cramping for two days? Whoa, there's something wrong there.
A pap smear is a swab taking cells from the surface of your cervix, which is at the inside back end of your vagina. A doctor would use a speculum to open your vagina so she or he could reach the cervix with a long handled spatula and tissue brush. No sharp objects are involved.
The medical guidelines seem to suggest that pap smears start at age 21.
My suggestion is you discuss your bad reaction last year with your practitioner and ask what could have caused the bleeding and cramping. http://women.webmd.com/guide/pap-smear That link is so you know what is happening.
The speculum isn't the most pleasant experience but it shouldn't cause bleeding or pain, just mild discomfort.
Make absolutely sure you have a full and frank discussion about your last experience and your fears at this one. You have to be your own health care advocate. SPEAK UP!
Good luck!
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