The Next Phase of WomanhoodAre you a curious what the next phase of life will be like, or are you already there? This forum will be for discussion of the Crone phase of life, filled with wisdom and new challenges. Come in and talk about your experiences and fears, your joys and hopes.
Location: True health flows from loving relationships, good food, time spent in nature, daily hugs, inner work, meaningful work and breathing thankfully for the richness of this life.-Kate Gilday
Posts: 22,732
Do pap smears cause discomfort for you?
and for how long after.
I bleed after every smear but I think it is because of atrophy either due to no hormones or radiation. I had to use a wand (dildo lookin thing) post radiation to keep things open.
This is really graphic I know...I hate even asking. But I wonder why. If others with no radiation have a few days of soreness after, then I will assume it is all hormone related.
I had laser surgery to remove part of my cervix in 1996. Ever since my cervix has been tender. Sometimes it hurts during sex even. YES, paps are painful or at least not pleasant for me and I cramp for the rest of the day usually afterwards.
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Kimber-
mama to DC (born at 26 weeks at 1lb 8ozs)
Brooke Kaylee born 5/28/08
I was just starting to learn how to do thin prep paps before I stepped down over a year ago. The action is supposed to be a sweep and spin of the cervical opening, but some healthcare providers like to "make sure" they get a good sample, so will be a bit more aggressive in their actions. This *may* be contributing to your soreness and spotting after a pap. I've personally had varying providers over the years and have had varying outcomes of spotting and cramping. Has it happened to you with different providers? If so, then I would say that it's something that is unique to your cervix. Some women have more capillaries, which would cause more spotting when aggravated.
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My 1st Granddaughter - Kiera Marie @ 1 week old
Born: 6-4-08; one day after my Olivia's 6th B-Day!
i have found that it totally depends on the person. i have had 2 ob's do pap's on me and one midwife and they all were uncomfortable and then i had another ob and it was not at all uncomfortable.
i never bleed or have discomfort after i leave.
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~julie~
mama to savannah, jackson and another due in 2009!
I haven't had a pap since my hysterectomy.
I can't see the reason why....I don't have a cervix anymore.
I actually haven't seen the ob/gyn since the day of the surgery (almost two years ago).
I haven't had a pap since my hysterectomy.
I can't see the reason why....I don't have a cervix anymore.
I actually haven't seen the ob/gyn since the day of the surgery (almost two years ago).
Teri!
You should still go. You can have vulva and vaginal issues to keep an eye out for.
My mom had a hysterectomy in 1982 and still goes in annually for a look see to check on things!
Location: Not only did I not not fail statistics, but I got an A!!!
Posts: 1,508
I have anxiety before and lots of pain afterwards with a lot of cramping for a few days afterwards. This was both post-cone and post-surgery to repair cervical stenosis that was a complication of hormone issues at the time of the cone. I think it is more hormone related and while the radiation doesn't help, I think hormones are the original cause.
Also..I have a bit of bleeding for a day or so afterward. I do find things are more painful if my dr doesn't use the right speculum(is that correct?)
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SARAH
Jacob, my comedian with an attitude is 13.5
Adam, my Georgia Tech obsessed beauty is 10.5
Jordyn, my sweet little girl is 9
Also..I have a bit of bleeding for a day or so afterward. I do find things are more painful if my dr doesn't use the right speculum(is that correct?)
I've always found them uncomfortable and twingy, but I wouldn't say painful. This last time (with a new MW) she noticed that I winced, and asked if it was uncomfortable, and asked if I minded if she tried a different speculum, and it was remarkably comfortable! I was so surprised. Now, I just wish I knew what "type" (??) of speculum to request in the future, b/c there was truly such a difference. Who knew?!
Location: True health flows from loving relationships, good food, time spent in nature, daily hugs, inner work, meaningful work and breathing thankfully for the richness of this life.-Kate Gilday
Posts: 22,732
Well it is determined that the tissues thin and easily tear or bleed. Doesn't that sound horrible! lol
But that is the cause of bleed. Someone asked how much...well sometimes upon cleaning up still in the room there might be a sign of blood. Then a few hours later it shows up. Usually not continual bleeding.
So another reason we need to know how our body changes in menopause. HTH
& Dylan (6) 
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