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Is there any way to make pap smears less painful?

I am a lesbian who does not enjoy penetration and does not include this in my sexual repertoire. I am concerned, however, about Pap smears. I find the speculum very uncomfortable, even painful — my last Pap was agonizing and embarrassing. If I didn't know how important this annual exam was, I would just stop going.

I am seeking ways to make this experience less traumatic, so my question to you is, is there a way I can obtain a speculum of my own so I can practice at home? Any other advice on the subject of less painful Paps would be appreciated!

Thanks!

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Is it best to eat five small meals per day?

What are the advantages of eating five or six smaller meals per day, as opposed to three meals per day? I've heard it helps to lose body fat. Also, are there advantages to eating more of your calories early in the day?

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How do gender-affirming surgeries work out?

If you were a woman, who wanted to be a man, could you get a penis? And once you got your penis, could you masturbate, ejaculate, and experience other male sexual behaviors?

And vice versa. If you were a man, who wanted to be a woman, could you then get your penis removed, and then masturbate?

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Should I be concerned about BPA from hard plastic water bottles?

I use Nalgene bottles for about 75 percent of the water I drink each day. Therefore, I was startled to find out that there is some possibility that these bottles leach chemicals into the water. I've found conflicting opinions about the veracity of these claims on the Internet. What's the truth? Should I dump my Nalgene for glass? You have an earlier post about bottled water, but it doesn't seem to address this issue specifically, and you recommend purchasing reusable bottles like the ones that might be poisoning me. The bottles I use have #7 on the bottom in the recycle symbol.

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Is there a difference between tap, bottle, and filtered water?

1) Which is better for you, tap or bottled water?

2) How bad is the water here in New York City? Do you recommend drinking filtered water, or does it really make a difference?

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How can my friend manage her Vitamin B12 deficiency as a vegetarian?

My friend recently got a blood test back from her doctor and she was told she was deficient in Vitamin B12. She is a vegetarian. What can she do to supplement this vitamin if she does not eat meat?

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Is ejaculation possible without orgasm?

My boyfriend recently told me that he rarely has orgasms when he ejaculates. I was aware that men could have orgasms without ejaculation, but I didn't think it worked the other way around. Are men more complicated than I thought?

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What is the purpose of the hymen?

Okay, a question has been asked amongst my friends, and no one seems to know the answer: What is the physiological purpose of the hymen?

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Are overcooked pasta and beans still nutritious?

I know if I cook vegetables too long, they would lose nutrients. How about pasta and beans? Do they lose their carbohydrates and proteins and other nutrients in them if I cook too long? I always cook pasta and beans for over an hour because I like nice and soft and plumed pastas and beans. Am I eating zero nutritious pasta and beans?

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Is there any way to make pap smears less painful?

Topics:

Is it best to eat five small meals per day?

Topics:

How do gender-affirming surgeries work out?

Topics:

Should I be concerned about BPA from hard plastic water bottles?

Topics:

Is there a difference between tap, bottle, and filtered water?

Topics:

How can my friend manage her Vitamin B12 deficiency as a vegetarian?

Topics:

Is ejaculation possible without orgasm?

Topics:

What is the purpose of the hymen?

Topics:

Are overcooked pasta and beans still nutritious?

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Why can't I taste when I have a cold?

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