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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Female -- Ob/Gyn Visits > Too much pain for pap
    Posted on: 05/03/2005

    Question

    I attempted to have a pap smear test but could not because it was painful for me. I have never had sex before and I could not relax and so I kept tightning my vagina and causing myself the pain. Is this normal?

    I have noticed since a young age when I shave I get one bump that is sometimes like a pimple on my vagina. It is no where near the vaginal lips or opening but just below my stomach on the fatty part of the Vagina. I have saw my doctor and he says that since I have never had sex it is an ingrown hair from shaving. So the bumps are not on the inside of the vagina but it is only one of the fatty tissue. Should I be worried?

    The doctor said it was an "ingrown" hair but he did not look at it. But I explained it well and I have never ever have any kind of vaginal or oral sex.


    Answer

    Patients typically are very nervous or scared during their first gynecological exam. It is common for first exams to be uncomfortable, especially if you are unable to relax. A virginal patient may experience more pain if the hymen is still intact. Hymens can also be torn from activities such as bike riding, tampon use, etc.

    Ingrown hairs from shaving is a common occurrence. Do not pick at these because it may cause an infection. If you continue to have these, try not shaving for awhile and they should resolve. To help prevent ingrown hairs from forming, shave downwards, with the angle of the hair. If you are certain that this is not an ingrown hair, you should have a gynecologist examine the area that you are concerned about.


    Answered By:
    Nicole Hong , M.D.


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