How to Relax During a Colposcopy Exam

Pap smears may come out abnormal for many reasons. When they do, however, your gynecologist will probably recommend that you have a colposcopy exam. This exam will check for pre-cancerous changes in the skin which may be caused by the sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV. If you have never gone through a colposcopy exam, then the entire idea of having one may sound a bit frightening. Here are some tips that will help you relax during a colposcopy exam.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Ibuprofen

1. Schedule your colposcopy exam with your regular gynecologist. A colposcopy exam can be very uncomfortable to begin with. You do not want to end up having to become familiarized with a whole new doctor during the process. If you are given another doctor at the same office that you regularly attend, it is best to put your foot down and say that you want the usual gynecologist to perform your colposcopy exam. Sticking with your regular gynecologist will help you relax during a colposcopy exam.
2. Be sure to take ibuprofen before the scheduled appointment for your colposcopy exam. If you do not take it, most gynecological offices will provide you with it before you go in for the exam. Although the colposcopy exam is not known to be incredibly painful, you may feel some slight pinching. Ibuprofen should help ensure that you do not feel this so much. For many, however, the idea of knowing that they have taken something for pain relief is enough to help them relax during a colposcopy.
3. Ask your doctor to talk to you throughout the colposcopy exam. Most doctors will do this automatically, but it is important to let yours know before the exam that talking will help you relax during your colposcopy. If talking does not make you feel better, then you may want to consider listening to music during your exam. Anything that can be done to take your mind off what is going on should really help you relax during your colposcopy.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use your best judgment. Consider getting a pap smear done at another gynecologist if you do not believe that yours came out abnormal.
• If you have any questions, do not be afraid to ask your doctor.
• Keep in mind that abnormal pap smears can happen for many reasons aside from HPV. Do not automatically think that you have pre-cancerous changes just because you have an abnormal pap smear.