Reply #17: I agree--

[bliss_eternal]

I had a female ob last year that administered my PAP. I told my husband it felt like a drive by...she barely spoke to me, inserted gloved hand, felt around..done! It was very clinical and cold, she barely said three words to me in the process--she is SO fired! For lack of better terms, it felt like a mild assault. Others may be ok with her style. She just wasn't for me.

I'm used to my Pap being given by one that talks me through the process, has a sensitive touch, asks me questions about things in the process--which kind of takes my mind off of the fact that my ankles are in cold, metal stirrups and I'm spread eagle on a table with rough paper scratching my ass when they enivitably say, "...please, slide down." ;)

No one gets Paps every day. When you do have one, the person should at least treat it and you with some care and respect, or at least that's how I feel.

Some of the most compassionate, sensitive PAPs I've had have been with Nurse Practitioners. I also had one years ago with a midwife who was also very kind and gentle.

I'm probably too picky and rather high maintenance in this regard. lol.