Is a pelvic exam pointless if you're a non-sexually active lesbian, with mostly intact hymen?

[she101.livejournal.com]

I'm nearly 24 years old and have been wondering if I should ever have a pelvic exam/gyno exam/pap smear (not sure what the big difference is or which one I'd need).  I've never had any kind of checkup like that before, and I just feel like I'd be really wasting the doctor's time by going for several reasons.

Firstly, I'm worried the exam won't even be PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE because my hymen opening is just so small.  I doubt any instruments would even fit in there.  I can't even insert tampons!

Secondly, I'm practically a virgin (not sure if the occasional lesbian sexual encounter counts as being sexually active or not in this context).

Thirdly, I don't ever plan on being that sexually active, so a small hymen opening might not seem a big deal, but I would love to be able to use tampons instead of big bulky pads all the time!

This hymenotomy I've heard about has raised my interest, but once again, I'm just heaps paranoid that the doctor will think I'm ridiculous for showing up for an exam, let alone asking about a hymenotomy.

Am I just being OVERLY paranoid?

Is it worth making some sort of appointment, can they even DO anything in the appointment?  I rarely see doctors for anything, so I wouldn't even know who to contact to make an appointment like this.

Thank you
from
*confused, worried and paranoid*

Comments

[starzysky.livejournal.com]

That's why I said sexually, which does not imply PIV...

And I told her to tell her doctor about her sexual experiences so he/she could determine whether she was at risk; I'm pretty sure you can't get HPV from oral sex & I suppose that's what I was assuming was the bulk of her sexual experience considering her issues w/ penetration. But yes, you're right.