Wear a two piece outfit since you will need to remove all your clothing below your waist. If you are having a complete physical exam or clinical breast exam you will need to be completely undressed and wear a gown.

Remember not to douche and not to use any vaginal cream or medication two days prior to your exam.

You will put on a gown and cover yourself with a sheet. The clinician will ask you to lie on your back with your knees parted. The clinician will examine the outside of the vagina. The clinician will then insert a small instrument in your vagina in order to see the cervix and collect the cell with the brush (similar to a mascara brush) or cotton swab. The test will only take a few minutes.

The clinician may continue checking your pelvic area.

• If you have trouble hearing or understanding, consider bringing a family member or friend to help you.

• If there is something you do not understand, ask and keep asking until all your questions are answered.