Worried about womanly checkups.

I hate to admit this. But I'm a twenty-three year old female who has never had a pap smear or a breast exam. It makes me extremely anxious just thinking about it. My mother passed away from cervical cancer, so you'd think that would get me up there! But the nerves are unbelievable. What can I do to make this scary experience.. less scary?

And I keep telling myself, since I am a virgin, there is no need for a pap smear, is that true?? Gah, I feel horrible for waiting so long but my anxiety is so high, I don't know what to do.

I know how you feel, but this is something as women we must do to protect our health. I've been going every year, if not more...I have other women's health issues...and while it's not the most enjoyable thing it is a necessity. OB/GYNs and their nurses are professional and will of course act in a very professional way. They've seen it all, trust me. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. You said you're a virgin so this doesn't apply to you yet, but once you become sexually active they will ask very personal questions so be prepared, but it's only to help you. They're not being nosy/rude/unprofessional, again they've seen it all and heard it all, they are not there to judge, so always answer truthfully. If you are uncomfortable for some reason with a man ob/gyn feel free to ask for a woman...they are very understanding about this. Just realize though later on down the line if you have an emergency situation you may have to see a man...for regular visits and situations you should have no problem with asking for a woman. During your visit whether it be your 1st or 20th time they will usually always explain what they are doing. If they don't explain, ask. They want you to know what's going on and they want to do everything in their power to make sure you're as comfortable as you can be. They realize how hard it is to go to an ob/gyn, especially if they are a woman too. Ask as many questions as necessary to make yourself comfortable.

You really need to see an ob/gyn ASAP. A lot of times they do say you don't have to see one until you are 18, unless you are sexually active before that. You are obviously way past that age and with your family history it is VERY important you see one. You do not need to be sexually active to develop cervical cancer, or any cancer for that matter.

Since this is a regular, usually yearly, thing all women go through the more you do it the easy it will be on you...it's still not something you'll be jumping up and down out of excitement to do, but it will get easier...trust me on that. I've had a billion procedures done with all of my different health issues and after a while you're just like oh well and you do it because you know you have to. No one has ever died of embarrassement from an ob/gyn visit lol.

So please get yourself checked out as soon as possible. Being embarrassed for like 10 min is way better than battling cancer for years.

I hope I helped a little. *hugs*

Thank you guys so much for your words of encouragement. It means a lot and it helps a lot as well. I'm still terrified, but that's understandable. :P I hope I can get enough courage to go - I know I will, I just hope it's sooner than later! :P So, it only takes about 10 minutes you say?

I hate to sound so newbish, but does it hurt? And is it really okay to ask for a woman doctor? That would it a lot easier, I do believe.