The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends teen girls have their first gynecology checkup between the ages of 13 and 15. Suppose your daughter has been seeing their gynecologist regularly. In that case, there’s a good chance she already feels comfortable with the general workings of the office and what to expect during a general exam.
But Pap smears don’t typically begin until around age 21 (the age recommended by the ACOG), so even if your daughter has had regular gynecology visits, there’s a good chance she hasn’t had a Pap smear yet — and she may still be a little nervous about what to expect during this important screening exam.
As a leading gynecologist in Santa Monica, California, Shamsah Amersi, MD, provides comprehensive care for women of all ages, including teens and young women. If your daughter is getting ready for her first pap smear, here’s what you can do to help allay her concerns.
Many older teens and young women understand the importance of having regular Pap smears, especially if they’ve been keeping up with their gynecology exams. Still, it doesn’t hurt to reiterate the screening’s role in keeping your daughter healthy.
Pap smears collect a small sample of cells from the cervix or uterine opening. By evaluating these cells in a lab, Dr. Amersi can detect early signs of cervical cancer long before noticeable symptoms appear, making it possible to provide treatment before the cancer reaches a more serious stage.
Knowing what to expect during a Pap smear can ease a lot of anxiety. Explain the process in simple terms, focusing on dispelling misconceptions and worries.
Tell your daughter the exam is performed while she’s reclining on the exam table with her feet supported in stirrups. Dr. Amersi gently inserts a lubricated instrument called a speculum into her vaginal canal. The speculum helps open the canal so Dr. Amersi can access the cervix.
Next, Dr. Amersi uses a long-handled cotton swab to wipe the surface of the cervix, collecting a small sample of cells for further evaluation and analysis before removing the speculum. The entire screening takes just a few minutes.
If you’ve had regular Pap smears, use some of that experience to help make your daughter’s visit as simple as possible by providing useful tips. For instance, let your daughter know it’s usually a good idea to schedule a screening when she’s not menstruating to ensure her results are as accurate as possible.
Advise your daughter to shower before her visit and wear clothing that’s easy to remove and put on. She should avoid douching or using creams or deodorants since these products can cause irritation or potentially alter lab results.
Most importantly, be available to listen to your daughter’s concerns and to validate her feelings. Ensure she understands that the exam is quick yet provides important information to help her stay healthy.
Let her know that while she may have a little discomfort, the exam isn’t painful. Emphasize that Dr. Amersi performs pelvic exams and Pap smears daily, so there’s no reason to feel embarrassed.
It’s not easy explaining the importance of regular Pap smears to your daughter if you’re not following your advice. Ensure your daughter sees you visiting the gynecologist regularly to protect your health, providing a real-life role model she can emulate.
Most Pap smear results are available within a week or two. Let your daughter know that if her results are abnormal, that does not mean she has cancer. Many other issues can cause abnormal results, including mild infections and hormonal fluctuations. Typically, abnormal results simply mean she’ll undergo additional testing to determine the underlying cause.
Finally, it’s important to note that while the ACOG suggests age 21 as the recommended time to begin Pap tests, some patients benefit from earlier testing, particularly if they’re sexually active and show signs of sexually transmitted infections or abnormal periods. Dr. Amersi can recommend the optimal time to begin screening to help your daughter stay healthy.
To schedule a Pap smear for yourself or your daughter, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Amersi and her team today.
