STI testing? (girls only)

[six6six]

I'm scared that I might have an STI and i keep making appts to get it checked with a doctor but I keep getting to scared to go and end up cancelling it... I have a new bf and I really wanted to get it checked before doing anything sexually with him but im really really scared.. I have a lot of anxiety issues towards males and my doctor is male.... and i cant change it so...
how do you get through pap tests and STI testing?
is it fast?
how can i get over my fear? i mean i know the doctor has done it on a lot of people but what do you tell yourself to make it through it?

its just really embarrassing for me....
I dont know what to do
PLEASE HELP ME

[Revolution]

I'm really glad you care about your new boyfriend's health and care to protect him! Getting yourself tested is a great decision!

I have never had a pap, but I have had an external exam where they sent a little scopey thing up to look, and it does not hurt, it is very quick. It will probably consist of a pap, along with urine and blood tests. It's not scary, and think about how relieved you'll be afterwards? Good luck!

[escape_thereal_world]

I've had a pap. It's very quick. You do not feel pain, but just pressure. They put a speculum there to open you up so they can get a better look so they don't miss anything.

It's like when your mouth is numb at the dentist and you can feel them pushing on your gums. It's just an odd feeling, but should not hurt.

If it does hurt, let them know. There are metal speculums and smaller plastic ones they can switch to. Or they can use more lube to make it easier. So just communicate with them.

Anyways, so they do that, then they will feel around with a couple fingers for just a few seconds. Then they use a long q-tip type thing to swab. Which you hardly feel any of this. Then you are done.

That's all it takes. They usually will tell you what they are doing if they know it's your first time. If you are nervous, ask to speak to the doctor who will be doing it. They will almost always be willing to let you talk with the doctor or an experience nurse.

[Aletheia*]

I've also had pap's done, and as Kelly said, you shouldn't feel any pain. It's just a pressure, like a pinch you get with a shot. They'll likely do urine AND blood samples, and with the pap, they won't miss anything.

If you wish to switch doctor's, you can. Try going to PlannedParenthood.org and find one in your area. They do STI testing there, and sometimes it's even free. They also provide counseling services for you if you end up having an STI. If you do, STI's usually mean that they can be cleared up with medication.

[FillingWithHope]

It is a very good choice to get a pap. I have never had one done but as the above users I have heard that it is quick and it finds everything.

[Angel]

Originally Posted by augustanagirl94

It is a very good choice to get a pap. I have never had one done but as the above users I have heard that it is quick and it finds everything.

Pap smears are not the same as an STI test.

You may want to look around in your area for a clinic such as Planned Parenthood that performs STI tests since they may have female doctors. If you're nervous about being alone with a male doctor, perhaps you can express your concern with the doctor and ask to have a female nurse present in the room with you. I'm sure something can be worked out. It's likely they've encountered women with the same concerns as yours over male doctors. All you need to do is be willing to work out a solution as I'm sure there is one in your case.

[MacGuffin]

Pap smears and (if you aren't monogamous with your partner) STD testing is a standard portion of overall wellness for women. After the age of 21 any sexually active woman needs to be getting a pap on a yearly basis. However, that doesn't mean you only go for STD testing once a year. You need to get tested between each partner. It's a really good thing you are concerned about your boyfriend's sexual health in this decision.

Even though a pap smear and STD testing aren't the same thing, they still involve taking a cell sample, just from different parts of the female reproductive organs. There will still be a speculum and there will still be some pressure whilst they examine you and take the sample. You may also (it would be wise to do so) opt for a blood test to determine if you've contracted HIV or not, since only certain infections can be evaluated from the cell sample they take. Overall, it's a pretty easy process.

If you want a female doctor instead of a male doctor you can always call planned parenthood, or you can just look up gynecologists in your area via the internet. It can be a different experience depending on how comfortable you are, so if you prefer a female doctor I would try to see one.

Don't wait too long to do this though. With some STDs the longer the infection is there, the more damage it can cause to the reproductive system. So be sure to get it done soon.