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I Turn 21 In A Few Months And I’m Worried

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Posted on Fri, 9 Oct 2020
Question: I turn 21 in a few months and I’m worried about a Pap test/physical exam is gonna be brought up next time I visit to get my prescription refilled.
I’m a sexual assault victim and I have a lot of fear towards something like this. I know I need to do it I just have some questions about how I can position myself to be less anxious, the whole stirrup legs open thing just brings me back to when I was being assaulted
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (11 minutes later)
I’m also scared it’s going to hurt because tampons hurt a lot so I had to give up wearing them

I honestly prefer to lay on my side with my knees up to my chest but i don’t if that is even possible for the exam.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You can avoid doing a pap smear probably.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I am sorry about your situation.
I believe that you can avoid having a pap smear because you are too young and the first pap smear is usually done at 23 or 25 unless your doctor recommends you to do it.
The pap smear usually doesn't hurt.
You can talk to your gynaecologist about your situation and she can use a small speculum to examine you in order that the examination is less discomfortable.
Unfortunately the only position in which a pap smear can be done is with open legs.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Olgeta Xhufka

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 10114 Questions

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I Turn 21 In A Few Months And I’m Worried

I’m also scared it’s going to hurt because tampons hurt a lot so I had to give up wearing them I honestly prefer to lay on my side with my knees up to my chest but i don’t if that is even possible for the exam.