I'm in my fifties now but when I was18...I too felt extremely nervous and humiliated by the thought of this exam. Now that I'm older its completely better and having a female doctor helped a great deal. I've thought of a healthy way to look at this - to doctors the private areas are just another body part - its medical. My doctor lets me know before she does each step - yes the doctor also does a physical feel with fingers and also after he\she also inserts in the rear as well. Relaxing also makes its easier.

All women regardless of how many safe partners will benefit from a PAP test. HPV is the main reason for cervical cancer and sometimes a person doesn't know they have HPV. Genetics is also a factor but cervical cancer is very curable. Its better to be a little uncomfortable and healthy than living in the dark with your health. You'll feel better once its over and its much easier than you think. Good luck and I hope knowing I felt the same as you when I was younger helps.