Being examined by a doctor, "Down There" for the first time

It's not a bad experience, it's just an uncomfortable one. None of us like it. It's just something that needs to be done to make sure we're healthy and being healthy is the most important thing that you have to work for. The whole thing only lasts a few minutes and is just awkward, not painful, just weird. But remember they are professionals and that's what they do for a living.

It can be rather scary, can't it? I had no appointment for my smear test or anything like that. I went to see the student nurse because I was having abdominal pains (actually my partner made me go...) and the idea it could have been my uterus or cervix had not occurred to me (because I'm an idiot). So, when the nurse said she wanted to do a smear test (I think this is what you call a PAP test) I was rather bowled over! Not prepared at all! But the nurse was wonderful and explained everything she was going to do, showed me the instruments and even talked me through as she was doing it. I felt no embarrassment at all as the nurse did her utmost to make me feel comfortable. I know that most doctors have women lie on their backs with their legs in the air. However, they are moving away from this position in Britain. Not only is it very undignified but is such an unnatural position it puts things slightly out of place. My nurse has me lie on my side in a sort of foetal position; much more comfortable and a lot more dignified (if that is a word you can use in these situations, lol). Don't think too much about it; these are professionals and will make it as easy as possible for you. And about it being cold; yuh-huh! lol But it's not really bad. My nurse uses plastic instruments; not so cold. If you think you would like someone to go with you then sure, have someone sit outside. Do you have a partner? Ask them to go along. Or a best friend you can talk to about it? Some people like to take their mom along for the first one. After all; they've all been through it (and given birth) and should be able to talk about it openly. My mother actually asked me to go along to her last one for moral support *rolls eyes* she's had three daughters! lol You can also ask for someone, usually a nurse, to sit in with you. Some women just feel more comfortable having another professional in the room. Well, good luck and I hope everything goes smoothly!