The brutal truth is pain is an individual thing. I perform this procedure and have seen many women's responses.If you go into it with the attitude that it is going to be unbearable, it will likely be. If you relax, take 800mg of motrin 30-40 minutes before the procedure, you will be fine. The reason for the pain is the contraction your uterus makes when it is distrubed. The motrin will block that cramping response. If you take anti-anxiety medication, that may help you along with a friend to drive you home afterward (because of using the anti-anxiety medicine). Sounds to me that you have a good Dr. who spends time talking to you and explaining.

I haven't had one, but I have heard that it is not that bad. I agree on the motrin before hand, that will help some.

It's been a long time since your last pap, you may have started to develop vaginal atrophy since then. when the tissues begin to dry out and lose their elasticity. that could be the reason your pap was painful.

When I had my procedure in 2007, I was already taking 1000 mg of naproxen daily for my rheumatoid arthritis, so the biopsy wasn't too uncomfortable. Yes, I could feel it a bit, but it didn't actually hurt. I had to remind myself to relax when I felt myself tensing up, and everything was over in a jiffy.

Hi Doxy
Love your name--I have 2 doxies.

I have had 2 endo. biopsies in my life also. I agree with these ladies: Attitude is a big part. Both yours and your doc's. The first I had was done by a female gyn who was basically a 'suck it up' type person--no bedside manner. Her actually doing it hurt for about 20 seconds or so and I did have some cramping for half a day. Nothing terrible--but she made it more difficult by her attitude and just general technique!

The second was about 18 monthes ago: different doctor: MUCH NICER. Because he was more gentle and did not rush like I was a "number in the line" it really was not bad. Yes pre med with something you can tolerate like Ibuprofin (I used excedrin as that is what I can take). Ended with just enough discomfort to get some sympathy for the afternoon. Kept my feet up and watched a movie!
Honestly the hard part is waiting for results. One thing I did do though--(startled the doctor- lol) was when he got ready to get the sample he told me that he was ready to get it and I exhaled kind of hard--like yoga breathing or lamaze type. (note to self: warn the doctor so they don't think you have a problem!! ) When you are scared or in pain you tend to hold your breath and it makes whatever worse. Remember-concentrate on your steady breathing--it works! Doing that--really relieved the situation.

Best of luck and keep us posted!

I have not had one; but was told I need one, so I was interested in what others would say here. I can tell you that when I had another procedure, which was to remove pre-cancerous tissue from my cervix, I was also told "you will experience mild cramping" and that procedure, for me, was absolutely severe, horrible pain. I agree that attitude has something to do with our perceptions of pain, and I am talking about the doctors and nurses attitudes, not just the patients. With my cervical procedure, it was done by rude, mean people and they didn't tell me to take anything ahead of time. After I accidentally kicked the doctor they handed me a motrin.
I have suffered with endometriosis all my life, and pap smears always have been very painful, too, so I wonder if my endometriosis is why I feel pain worse. Because, now that I am menopausal, pap smears and vaginal ultrasounds are not painful anymore. So, for me, it's the opposite. (Less pain after menopause)
Definitely, take the NSAID 30-60 minutes ahead of time, and anything else you can, to relax you...including that friend someone suggested. Don't forget to breathe slowly and deeply....if you can relax, it can help to not hurt as much. Tense muscles make it worse. My last bit of advice is, if you have even stronger meds , take it with you.....(Then, if you are in too much pain afterward, take it, if you have a driver)
But the Motrin ahead of time, is still the best idea I think. Don't forget to give it time to start working...

for me the pain was intense and sharp, i take pain meds and muscle relaxers and when they explained the procedure, i popped an extra pill in the office and didnt help, it hurt. good luck w/ this.

I promise I will get back to you all hopefully this evening..Iam having my ultrasound, mammogram, and osteoporosis tests done today!

I have no clue as to when or if iam having a biopsy because I will only do it sedated so I guess it is in the dr's hands for now....


thank you all for writing

Doxy