What Should I Expect During My First Pap Smear?

Are you nervous about your first Pap smear? Don’t worry! This guide breaks down what to expect, how to prepare, and why it’s critical for your health. Take the mystery out of the process and feel confident walking into your appointment.

Being nervous at your first Pap smear is typical — but you don’t have to stay that way. Whether you’ve heard stories from friends or you’re unsure what to expect, you’re in the right place to get answers to your questions.

Pap smears are quick, straightforward procedures that significantly protect your health despite the bad rap. Dr. Caleigh Rodriguez and our team explain it all in this blog.

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear (or Pap test) is a screening procedure that checks for abnormal cells in your cervix. These cells could indicate precancerous changes or cervical cancer. The test catches these issues early when they’re easiest to treat.

Doctors often combine a Pap smear with a test for HPV (human papillomavirus), a common virus that increases the risk of cervical cancer.

When do I get my first Pap smear?

Most recommend starting a Pap smear at age 21, regardless of sexual activity. After that, you usually get a Pap smear every three years if your results are normal. Women over 30 may have the option to combine Pap smears with HPV tests every five years.

We work with you to create a testing schedule that works for you based on your personal health history.

How should I prepare?

You don’t have to do much to prepare for a Pap smear, but you can do a few things to ensure accurate results.

We recommend you avoid sex, douching, or using vaginal cream for 24-48 hours before your test. These can wash away or hide abnormal cells.

Try to schedule your Pap smear around your period. Light spotting isn’t a big deal, but heavier bleeding can make it hard to get clear results.

Above all else, relax and take deep breaths. It’s normal to feel anxious, but staying calm can make the process easier and more comfortable.

What happens during a Pap smear?

Your Pap smear happens in our office and usually takes 5-10 minutes. Here’s how it works:

First, you undress from the waist down. We give you a drape and gown for privacy. Then, you lie back on the exam table and place your feet in the stirrups (footrests) to help us access the area.

We insert the speculum into your vagina. The speculum is a device we use to gently widen the vaginal walls and allow us to see your cervix. You may feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful.

Next, we use a soft brush or spatula to collect a small sample of cells. This part is quick — just a few seconds.

Finally, we remove the speculum and leave the room so you can get dressed.

Do Pap smears hurt?

Despite what you may have heard, Pap smears are more uncomfortable than painful. At most, you should feel some pressure or a light scraping sensation when the cells are collected, but it’s over quickly.

Let us know if you’re feeling tense or anxious. We guide you through every step to keep you relaxed and comfortable.

What happens after the test?

We send your cell sample to a lab for analysis, and the results come back within 1-3 weeks. Normal results mean you don’t need another test; unclear or abnormal results typically mean you need to come in for a follow-up test.

A note on abnormal results

An abnormal Pap smear result can sound scary but don’t panic. In most cases, abnormal cells are linked to HPV and may resolve. Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend:

A follow-up Pap smear to monitor the cells
An HPV test to check for high-risk strains
A colposcopy — a closer examination of your cervix to identify abnormal tissue

Early detection is key, so following your doctor’s guidance is essential.

Pap smears are one of the most effective ways to catch cervical cancer early — even before you notice symptoms. When detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.

For more information about abnormal Pap smears, read this blog post.

In addition to regular Pap smears, you can further protect your cervical health by:

Getting the HPV vaccine (if recommended)
Practicing safe sex to reduce HPV risk
Not smoking, since smoking can increase your risk of cervical issues

Your first Pap smear can be intimidating and overwhelming, but it’s key in protecting your long-term health. Understanding what to expect can ease your nerves and help you feel more comfortable and confident heading into your appointment.

If you’ve got questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call our friendly staff at 830-745-4631 or use our online booking feature to schedule a women’s health exam today. We proudly serve women in the New Braunfels, Texas, area.