I’m a gynaecologist, 3 things you shouldn’t do before an appointment – including why washing down there is a big mistake
WHILST it might be most women's least favorite activity, having a smear test or cervical exam is essential for staying healthy.
Though you might be tempted to over prepare for the intimate exam, a gynecologist has revealed there are three things you need to avoid before your next appointment.
If you are about to have a medic get very up close and personal, its highly likely that you won't be in the mood for sex but that is actually a good thing.
According women's health expert and gynecologist Dr Susanna Unsworth, it actually best to avoid nocturnal activities for at least 24 hours before an cervical exam.
This is because having sex can cause your vagina to be inflamed, which can make it more difficult to detect certain conditions.
Even using a condom won't help, as these forms of protection can be coated with spermicide which can alter your pH levels.
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Instead of being intimate with your partner, it might be better to cosy up on the sofa and catch up on your favourite TV shows before a your gynecologist appointment.
However, getting hot and heavy isn't the only thing you might want to avoid before your next smear test as Dr Susanna explained.
Whilst it is important to make sure you are clean down there, the intimate health expert revealed that some products can actually cause problems before an exam.
In fact, she urged readers to avoid treatment like pessaries or cream for at least 24 hours and shared her method for keeping clean.
"Do not feel the need to excessively clean yourself — this can do more harm than good," she told The Metro, adding: "External cleansing with water and simple non-fragranced products (ideally pH balanced for the vulva) is important for general hygiene, but do not over-wash, and definitely do not perform any internal douching."
Though you might be extra furry in the winter, Dr Susanna also insists that shaving or waxing your vagina isn't an essential before a screening.
"Full pubic or no hair at all — again, we have seen it all before! Do what makes you comfortable as that is what is important," she laughed, saying: "We do not care what things look like."
Unsurprisingly, most medics have seen it all before so there is no need to book that last minute waxing.
Stray bits of loo roll don't seem to bother Dr Susanna either, with her saying it is not a bad thing to nip to the toilet before a smear test.
"I saw a recent article that mentioned the embarrassment of having a bit of toilet paper stuck to the vulva as the patient had been to the loo beforehand," she revealed: "Again — we do not care about this! Go to the toilet before your exam so it is more comfortable, and don’t worry if a bit of paper gets stuck!"
You don't even need to put on your best pants, with the intimate health professional insisting that your underwear just needs to be comfortable and easy to take off.
She joked: 'Most of the time we won’t even look at it.'
For anyone who is still avoiding a cervical screening though, there are ways you can make your appointment easier though.
Many sexual health clinics and doctor's surgeries will be able to provide a female medic, you just need to enquire beforehand.
You can even bring a friend to hold your hand, as Dr Susanna explained.
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She told the paper: "If you are very anxious, try and find out more about who will see you on the day so you know you will feel comfortable with them and consider bringing someone with you."
Though we can't guarantee you'll enjoy it, these tips and trick should make your next smear test just a little more bearable.
