Improved
6119 HealthChanged
3791 LivesSaved
3576 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
Hello,
What, if anything, can be done to minimize the pain during a pap smear?
I've had vulvar vestibulitis for over 10 years and this procedure is becoming increasingly painful.
Thanks.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Hello Anonymous,
Welcome to EmpowHER.
Have you spoken with your gynecologist about the level of pain you experience during a pelvic exam?
For the benefit of all our readers, vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is a subset of vulvodynia that is characterized by severe pain during attempted vaginal entry , tenderness to pressure localized to the vulvar vestibule and redness of the vulvar vestibule.
Anonymous, do you experience pain only during the insertion of the speculum and use of the cotton swab during a pelvic exam with pap smear? Or do you have pain during sexual intercourse or insertion of a tampon as well?
There are treatment options. Particularly, use of lidocaine gel applied prior to the exam would numb the area and eliminate the pain temporarily.
Some physicians prescribe steroid ointmenst to be applied thinly to the areas of discomfort. However, overuse may result in thinning of the skin that will make your problem worse rather than helping it.
Anonymous, please talk with your gynecologist. You should not be suffering when there are available treatments.
Regards,
October 27, 2014 - 8:59amMaryann
This Comment