What’s a Pap Smear Like and How Much Will It Hurt?

Question

I’m getting my first ever Pap test next week and I’m terrified that it’ll hurt or something.
If anyone here has done one, please explain to me what to expect?
I prefer people’s experiences as opposed to Google searches that’s why I’m asking here.
Oh and, I’m sexually active, don’t know if that matters. Both me and my bf are tested and clean for STIs and been together for 1 year 8 months so all good in that hood lol

Update 1: Thank you so much, everyone, for helping me out! Much love! ☺️❤️

Answer

I just felt a bit of pressure not pain, it literally don’t take a minute and I bled after mine too but it’s so important too have...honestly don’t worry about it it’s nothing at all x

Answer

It doesn’t hurt, only thing uncomfortable is the awkward silence. At least in my experience lol.

Answer

They do a pelvic exam and insert a spectulum that they crank so they can fit a swab in. They do use a lubricant and will usually try to be as gentle as possible. Don’t be afraid to say if it really hurts. Normally it’s uncomfortable, and I’ve bled after from it before. My last pap from a new gynecologist that I really like wasn’t painful at all. I’ve bled and gotten cramps before but not this time. Maybe they can prescribe you ibuprofen or suggest it after if you have pain. It should be mild if you do and not last more than a day I would think. It’s really nothing to worry about.

Answer

I got one when I was young and wasn’t sexually active at the time. (Mom was accused of selling me off to men) It did hurt back then. Now it doesn’t bother me at all. It’s more uncomfortable and awkward. The best thing you can do is not think about it and relax. It happens very quickly so no worries.

Answer

Doesn't  hurt, bit awkward more than anything really but totally worth doing to be checked. Once you've done it the first time it gets easier.

Answer

I remember going to the doctors for back pain and somehow it lead to me getting a Pap smear!😅 I was like  dammit lol I didn't know exactly what they were going to do so I think that helped. I was pretty calm but looking at the device freaked me out a bit. I had to think about sex lmao I kept thinking " pretend your bf is fingering you and he's going to put his penis in" lol which helped a lot. So it didnt hurt at all.

What’s a Pap Smear Like and How Much Will It Hurt?

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