How to Overcome Pap Smear Anxiety

Women commonly experience some anxiety before undergoing their first pap smear, and some even go so far as to cancel the exam. Pap smear anxiety largely stems from a lack of information about the test and worries over the pain some women believe they'll experience. Luckily, most of these fears can be alleviated with a little education beforehand.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Gynecologist
• Female relatives and friends

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Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself about the pap smear by logging onto reliable websites that explain the reasons behind this routine screening, as well as how it's conducted. A 1993 study by Journal Watch found that women who were more informed about the pap smear experienced less anxiety than those who were not.

• 2

  Remind yourself that the pap smear is a routine exam used to prevent cancer and that every woman aged 18 or older should have one.

• 3

  Keep in mind that a pap smear is not painful but that the pelvic exam may be a bit uncomfortable. Knowing this, there's no need to brace yourself for a painful process that simply won't occur.

• 4

  Talk to your gynecologist about your concerns, and ask her to explain what will happen during the procedure. Many doctors already do this, especially for first-time pap smear patients.

• 5

  Ask your female family members and friends who have already had a pap smear about their experiences. They can give you a firsthand perspective on what it's like to get this screening and will likely confirm that although it may not be their favorite activity, it's nonetheless a simple, painless procedure that every woman needs to stay healthy.

• 6

  On the day of your pap smear, try some deep breathing exercises to ease any anxiety you may still have. Push your stomach outward and take a deep breath through your nose, filling your lungs completely. Hold your breath for a beat and then exhale slowly to keep yourself calm and remind yourself that you are in control of your body's reactions to a potentially nerve-wracking situation.