I’ve been meaning to get a pap smear for two years now. But somehow, it’s been etched in my mind that it’s a tedious and expensive procedure. And recently, I’ve received a letter from Health Promotion Board to go for a cervical screen at any polyclinic for just $15!
So I booked myself an appointment and went for it today. I didn’t wait long at all and the middled-aged nurse who was asking me all the medical history questions was really nice and maternal. She nagged at me gently to eat more and gain more weight after finding out my BMI (it’s 15.5% and she said I must be at least 18%!), even though I claimed that I do really eat! And when she found out I don’t exercise, she nagged at me more. But in the nicest way possible. 
I was amazed at how fast and painless the procedure was. It was only slightly uncomfortable but it felt exactly like how putting on a tampon would feel. And it was over in, what, 15 seconds?? According to the nurse, it would take longer if you don’t relax and resist the entry of the speculum. I was very much at ease and I even asked, “Oh, it’s over?” after they were done.
I know most of my friends have yet to go for a pap smear and I don’t see why we should delay! Apparently, all women are at risk of cervical cancer. And your risk increases if you:
- have ever had sexual intercourse
- smoke
- have had several sexual partners
- have a history of sexually transmitted infections like genital warts or genital herpes. (BAH!)
Hell, it was so painless that even the most painless wax I’ve gone for is still more painful than a pap smear.
