Nope, You Probably Don't Need a Pap Smear

Six questions every girl has about pelvic exams and Pap tests — answered.

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You know going to the gyno is important, but you may be tempted to put off scheduling your first visit if the idea of getting a Pap test or pelvic exam freaks you out. But those tests really aren't as nerve-racking as they sound, and you may not even need them right away. Here's what you need to know about these routine exams so you can stop stressing.

What's the point of a Pap?

A Pap test (also known as a Pap smear) checks for changes in the cells of the cervix, which can alert your doc that you might be at risk for developing cervical cancer down the road. That's it — it doesn't check for yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, or anything else, so you may not even need one right away.

I'm super-nervous about getting a Pap. What should I expect?

If you're under 21, you can expect…to not get a Pap. The guidelines have changed in recent years, so even if your mom got a Pap at her first gyno visit, you probably won't. "The pre-cancer changes usually occur due to exposure to the human papilloma virus, and they take years to develop," says Judith Simms-Cendan, MD, a board-certified gynecologist specializing in pediatric and adolescent gynecology at the Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando. "It's very unlikely to find significant cervical changes in someone under the age of 21 that would need to be treated."

If you're over 21, then you'll likely get screened. There are two common tests: the standard Pap and HPV testing. The Pap checks for abnormal cells that may become cancer cells, while the HPV test looks for the human papilloma virus, which can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.

Either way, the process is basically the same. Your doctor will use a small instrument called a speculum, about the size of a tampon, to peek inside your vagina. "Many offices use a plastic speculum and lubricant to make sure patients have a painless exam," Dr. Simms-Cendan says. Once the speculum is in place, your doctor will use a swab to collect some cells from your cervix and send them to the lab. Both tests use the same sample, so it's one-and-done.

What if they find something wrong?

Don't panic! Pap tests screen for cells that could become cancerous, but an abnormal Pap doesn't mean you have cancer. It's more of a heads-up to your doctor to keep a close eye on your cervical cells, and she may suggest some follow-up testing. And if your results come back clear, woohoo — you can probably wait three years until your next cervical cancer screening.

Is a Pap different from a pelvin exam?

Yep — but the process is pretty similar. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will likely use a speculum to look at your vagina and cervix, and use her fingers to check your uterus and ovaries. She may also take a swab of your discharge to check for infections. Most doctors will chat you up about the process so you know exactly what's happening and why, but you can always ask before you start: "This is my first exam and I'm kind of nervous — can you walk me through what you're doing?"

Like Pap tests, pelvic exams aren't required until you're 21 years old. You may get one sooner if you're having irregular periods, painful PMS, a sudden change in discharge, or any other weird symptoms — but otherwise, until you turn 21, your doctor will probably just look at the outside area to check for any inflammation, like a rash or ingrown hairs.

Does that mean I have to get naked?

Kind of. You'll be given a paper gown to keep you covered, and your doctor will move it aside when she needs to examine your breasts or vulva or vagina. Try not to stress too much about the nudity factor, because your doctor is a total pro and she's not going to judge whether or not you shave down there or your hygiene. "Don't freak out if you have to come straight from school or practice and haven't showered before the appointment," Dr. Simms-Cendan says. And definitely don't douche beforehand (or, um, ever) because it can interfere with test results.

Do these exams hurt?

The Pap and pelvic exam can feel slightly uncomfortable (and a tiny bit awkward, if we're being totally honest) for some women, but you should only feel slight pressure from the speculum and it's over pretty quickly. So if you need one, don't worry. And depending on what your doc is testing for, she may even be able to skip the speculum altogether or do a urine test instead.

If I don't need to be tested, should I even bother going to the gyno?

Yes. Your gyno is a fab source of reliable, judgment-free info about your TMI health concerns. "We love seeing girls in early adolescence to answer questions about periods, tampon use, managing menstrual cramps, hygiene issues, staying safe, sexuality, healthy relationships, and contraception if they need it," Dr. Simms-Cendan says. Besides, if you get in the habit of going, you'll feel way more comfortable around her once you do need those exams.

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