It's safe to say that no woman looks forward to her yearly pelvic exam and Pap test. In fact, many women dread these tests, and some actually avoid them.

Yes, a pelvic exam may be uncomfortable or embarrassing. But annual gynecologic exams are crucial to your health. Consider these facts:

• Pelvic exams can help identify many women's health problems. These include uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Pap tests have cut the number of cervical cancer deaths by 70 percent since they became routine. A Pap test is done during a pelvic exam.

Experts advise that women start having annual pelvic exams and Pap tests within three years of becoming sexually active or at least by age 21. This yearly visit is a good time to discuss birth control or other questions you may have about sexual health.

Seven tips to conquer anxiety about gynecologic exams
If you've been avoiding or putting off your gynecologic exams, try these ways to reduce your anxiety:

1. Find a doctor you feel comfortable with. You can see your family doctor for a pelvic exam and Pap test. Or you can go to a gynecologist, a specialist in women's health.Some women prefer to see a female doctor for gynecologic exams. Finding someone you trust who is easy to talk to is probably the most important factor.

2. Bring a support person. It may help to have a friend or family member go to the appointment with you. This person can be in the room during the exam if you want.

3. Tell your doctor how you feel. Knowing you're worried or embarrassed may help your doctor be more sensitive to your needs. If you've had a bad experience in the past, it may help to share this information.

4. Find out what's going to happen. Before the exam starts, ask your doctor to explain just what he or she is going to do. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You have a right to know. Knowing what to expect may help you feel calmer and more in control.

5. Try to relax. Being tense makes it more likely that the exam will hurt, and it shouldn't. Practice deep breathing and focus on releasing the tension in your muscles. It might help to chat with the doctor or listen to soothing music.

6. Don't worry about how you look. There is no need to shave before your appointment unless it makes you feel more at ease. And don't douche. Douching might actually make it harder to diagnose a problem such as vaginal dryness or worrisome discharge.

7. Remember that these tests are important. Having regular gynecologic exams are one of the best things you can do for your sexual health. They can help safeguard your fertility, prevent the spread of infections and catch cancer early, when it's easiest to cure.

Related Articles Pap Test: What to Expect What Every Woman Can Do: 10 Tips for Healthy Living Screening Tests for Women Your First Pelvic Exam: What to Expect The Importance of Screenings After Menopause Fight Cervical Cancer: Get a Pap Test

External Sources Williams R, Elam G. Gynecology. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th edition. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.. Accessed February 05, 2009 Frank JE. The colposcopic examination. Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health. 2008;53(5):447-452.. Accessed February 05, 2009 American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Coping with test pain, discomfort, and anxiety.. Accessed February 04, 2009 American Cancer Society. What causes colon and rectal cancer? . Accessed February 10, 2009

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.