my menstrual cycle - am I ovulating?

[rainsprite67.livejournal.com]

This month, I'll turn 21 years old. I'm a virgin and I first started getting my period when I was 11.5 years old.

Since the beginning of getting my menstrual cycle, I get my period on average, every 2 1/2 months. The last 3 years or so, I would get my period monthly during the winter season, and for the rest of the year, I would get it every 2 1/2 months. Recently, I went to the doctor and addressed this issue and my doctor thinks it could just be my body's normal cycle. I got a blood test - and everything is normal, no hormone or thyroid issues or anything.

My period, on average, lasts for 4 or 5 days. I think the bleeding is normal.. never too much or anything like that. But never too little either.  I never get cramps. In fact, I can only remember getting a cramp once. And only that one time.

So far, this year, I've gotten my period in - January, February, March, June, September. That's it... it's been almost 3 months since my last period. I'm used to getting my period around, on average, probably 6 or so times per year. For me, my period is pretty much non-existent because I get it so few times during the year, compared to normal women especially. I definitely like it this way - I could never imagine even getting my period 12 times year. In fact, I don't think I've ever even experienced getting my period even 9 times in a year.

I am a bit concerned about why I'm getting my period so few times, especially since it's always been like this.. I thought at first it was hormone issues, but apparently blood tests show I'm fine. So, I'm glad about that.

But what I'm currently concerned about is whether or not I'm ovulating? How would I know? I'm thinking I might possibly be incapable of ever getting pregnant - because, well, it's just a feeling to be honest... but I get my period so few times, it's just that I can't help but wonder this. Up until now, I've always never wanted kids. But, I think it would be nice to know for sure whether I'm actually capable/ ovulating?

Another thing is that I'm getting my first Pap Smear in the beginning of January. I mentioned I'm a virgin. I know it isn't necessary, but it would be still good to get it, right? Also, would anyone know if this would painful or anything? The most I've ever done to myself is insert a couple of fingers. And well, I'm just nervous about the whole thing :/

Comments

[faithful-summer.livejournal.com]

When I was young, my friend had her first pap and told me all this dramatic stuff about how it hurt sooooo bad. I was scared sh*tless to get my first one done. But it's really not that bad. When they put the speculum in and open it is the worst part, and then it's mostly like uncomfortable pressure. I would specifically ask the doctor before they begin to go slow on the insertion. Even not being a virgin, I once had a random doc at Planned Parenthood who just pretty much shoved the thing in there as fast as she could and that was much, much more uncomfortable than every other one I've had where the doctor just took like, I don't know, 10 seconds to slowly insert it.

As for the pap or not thing, I would do what you're comfortable with. If your doctor has a good reason for recommending it, then I'd probably do it. And regardless, a general physical exam down there is probably never a bad idea so they can feel your uterus and such.

[nickelshoe.livejournal.com]

There's no medical reason to undergo a Pap smear if the OP has never had sex. It's not possible for the OP's doctor to have a good medical reason.