What does a Pap smear feel like?
A speculum is inserted into the vagina to allow the person taking your Pap smear to see the area of the cervix where they need to sample the cells. The cells are sampled by rotating a sampling spatula or brush over the cervix. You may feel some dull pressure while this is being done. If it is too uncomfortable or hurts, tell your doctor, nurse or health worker straight away. Sometimes having a Pap smear can feel a little embarrassing. Remember, for the person taking your smear, this is just part of their everyday work.
