stal

I am 22, nonbinary (they/them pls) and have a vulva and ovary based reproductive system. I was recently told that I need to get a PAP smear, something I have been dreading since I understood the concept. My questions are thus.

1. What is the process like? Like I know speculum and cervix scrape but like beyond that.

2. How much do I actually have to do this? I imagine uterine/cervical cancer don't care abt trauma, but I care rather a lot, and would really like to not do this.

Thank you very much!

-🐑 (so i can find)

Hi! Thanks for trusting me to answer. <3

A lot of doctors are recommending starting pap smears at 21 these days, so that makes sense. It also makes sense you'd be dreading it, a lot of people are very scared of pap smears!

1. As for the process, I'll be honest and say it can really depend on your doctor (largely because plenty of doctors are shit). But they'll have you in the seat, most likely with stirrups (though there are a few other position options!) to separate your legs and give them access to your vagina.

The doctor might touch your vaginal opening to look at it a little (They should ask/tell you before they do this!) before pausing to get the speculum and lube it up. Then they are supposed to slowly insert it, telling you before they do. They might pause to look or even to move some vaginal discharge.

This might hurt. For some people, it's uncomfortable but not painful. But for others, it is painful. Often that pain is caused by disabilities, disorders, and intersex variations but it can also simply be caused by incompetence on the doctor's part. If it hurts, you can tell the doctor. You can ask them to change things up and see if that helps.

And if it hurts a lot, I would honestly recommend telling them to stop. A lot of things can cause pain like that and you likely do not want to continue aggravating your body. If they do not stop, that's assault and any reaction on your part is frankly justified.

If you stop, you can ask your doctor why it might be causing so much pain and if you have any other options. Especially if you already have problems with vaginal penetration, maybe ask about vaginismus or if they see anything that might be causing the pain.

If you continue, they'll scrape your cervix with a little brush or spatula to collect cells. This might also hurt! For some, it's just a tiny pinch or not even felt but for some folks, it is actually painful and again, if you need to stop, tell your doctor to stop.

Is it an important test? Yes. Is it worth traumatizing yourself and possibly making it harder to get pap smears later in life? Honestly, I don't think so.

Unless you have a history of cervical cancer (or are already experiencing a lot of problems that may be related to this), I really think if you're experiencing a lot of pain, it's better to try and figure out what's causing that instead of just making yourself miserable, especially when it could possibly just be your doctor's incompetence!

If they collect the samples, they will take out the brush/spatula and then pause to put it in a test tube before informing you they're removing the speculum, which they should do slowly and take as much time as you need.

Your vagina/l entrance in particular may feel strange or even sore afterwards. (Feel free to take medicine or use an ice/heat pack!)

Afterwards, it should just be some talking about them sending the tests out, whether they think you'll need a follow-up, etc before they have you change back into your clothes.

2. Well, pap smears can detect cancer (cancer detection is generally the main reason for them!) before it becomes actually cancerous and it can help detect infections and inflammation, which can be very helpful for you to know!

It's even more of a necessity if you haven't gotten HPV vaccinations because HPV can cause cervical cancer and without the vaccinations, you're more likely to get HPV and cancer from it. Younger people are also more likely to get cervical cancer.

That said, it is your body. You are still allowed to make the choice not to get a PAP smear. It is a good idea to get one every 3 years or so around your age but no one should force you to do that.

My recommendation would be to give yourself some time. Work on your trauma and consider, if you go to get the exam, take someone with you and try to find a doctor who specializes in dealing with patients with sexual trauma.

But until then, give yourself some time and grace. It's your body and sometimes you just need to say no. And that's okay.

Fanart for Perseverance series, posted by GreenBean on ao3!

Featuring a Water Tribe albatross-pigeon and a Fire Nation messenger hawk crossing paths somewhere in the Earth Kingdom seas...

The series are good, by the way. If you're interested in the fate of war prisoners in Agna Qel'a after Siege of the North, including Lieutenant Jee and a certain unlucky royal, maybe you should give it a shot! (Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence)

like yeah i know i can set aside an afternoon and sketch a still life.

but also i can, like. select a random marine creature from a hat and then research them and then spend a bit of time in the evenings and weekends over the course of a few weeks making a diorama.

or i can make an abstract sculpture out of scrap cardboard and masking tape, and then paper mache over it, and then paint it.

or i can draw something with markers and color it in with crayons.

the southern air temple (and a shitty port) part 2

“Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko,” Uncle said quietly. Unlike Zhao, who had a retinue of witnesses, Zuko only had Uncle. “With a strong foundation, you cannot lose.” Zuko kept his head bent in the proper Agni Kai ready position, but glanced up with a small grin. “Kavi said I could kick his ass. I won’t make a liar out of him.” With Kavi’s confidence in him, with his determination to see the future he and the Wings envisioned, Zuko needed to be strong. He needed to win against anyone who wanted to destroy peace and freedom. This was the first fight and Zuko was not going to cower when this was only the beginning.

While Aang faces horrors of the past, Zuko fights a horror of the present.

Anyway, here is a picture of him I drew.

Me: "thanks girl, but uhhh, this is digital furry porn idk if any art institutions would be financially motivated to recognize the merit of something as honest as this"