What to Do to Prepare for a Pap Smear
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Appointment
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Make your appointment on a day you are sure you will not be menstruating, about a week or two after your next period. If your period starts before your appointment, call and try to reschedule within the next two weeks.
Cleanse
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Before heading out the door to your appointment, it is important to take a shower. However, the National Institutes of Health suggests refraining from douching for at least 24 hours before a pap smear.
Intercourse
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Avoid intercourse within one day of your appointment.
Inserts
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Tampons, birth control jellies and birth control foams should be put aside for 24 hours before a pap smear.
Questions
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Write down a list of questions or issues that adequately address any important concerns you have. This will help you to avoid forgetting those questions when you are on the spot.
Answers
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Be prepared to answer questions on previous sexual health issues, such as an irregular pap smear, birth control methods and whether or not you could be pregnant.
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