I used to be terrified of the stirrups. The first time I was in there I brought my boyfriend with. I figured if I was going to get a pap smear so we could have sex without me getting knocked up, he was going to hold my hand while I did it. When I got there the nurse wouldn't let him in. I was having an anxiety attack with breathing issues, shaking, and blood pressure so high they kept me for observation after the exam was over, saying it had to decrease or I was going to the ER. When the doc came in and I explained what was going on she was very upset with the nurse and let my boyfriend (now husband) in. It was a huge help having him there holding my hand.

I kept bringing him up until my son was born, about 10 years later. Now he has to watch our kids while I'm in there, but it goes much better. I still dread them, but don't freak out anymore. For me it also helps to have a female, where for my sister she has to have a man. It also has to be a doctor I feel comfortable with, as I've had some terrible ones along the way.

Good luck. I hope it goes not terrible for you (do these ever go well?) and if nothing else, they're in and out quickly.