When should you have your first exam?
At age 21–25 or within 3 years of first having sex, whichever comes first, and straight away if you have symptoms such as unusual discharge, unusual bleeding, lower abdominal pain, or pain during sex. There is no need to wait for symptoms.
Preparing before you come
- Book a time when you are not on your period. Aim for 1–2 weeks after it ends
- Avoid sex, douching, vaginal pessaries and vaginal creams for 48 hours beforehand
- No need to shave or prepare in any special way
- Wear a skirt or trousers that are easy to take off
- Note the first day of your last period, any medication you take, and the questions you want to ask
- Empty your bladder before the exam. It is more comfortable with an empty bladder
In the examination room, step by step
First, you talk with the doctor for 10–15 minutes about your periods, contraception, symptoms and concerns. Second, you change into a drape behind a curtain. Third, you lie on the examination couch with your legs on the rests, covered throughout, with a female assistant in the room. Fourth, the doctor looks at the outside first, then inserts a small, pre-warmed instrument to see the cervix and takes a sample with a soft brush. This takes under 1 minute and feels like slight pressure or stretching. Fifth, the doctor checks the uterus and ovaries by hand through the abdomen for 1–2 minutes. Finally, you get dressed and discuss the initial findings and next steps.
What can be checked in one visit?
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear and/or HPV)
- Discharge and infection
- Sexually transmitted infections if you want (confidential)
- Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries when indicated
- Advice on contraception, irregular periods, or anything else that worries you
Your rights during the exam
You can ask to stop at any time, ask for every step to be explained first, ask for a smaller instrument, ask for a female assistant or someone you brought with you to be present, decline any part of the exam, and ask any question without being judged. If you have had a bad experience before or have a specific fear, tell the doctor at the start.
After the exam
There may be light spotting from the sample for 1 day. You can carry on as normal straight away. Pap and HPV results are ready in 5–7 days. The doctor sends them through the channel you choose, and explains them in person if any follow-up is needed.
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