Do pap smears and pelvic exams hurt?!

The doctor warned me on my first exam that it might hurt. I was bracing myself, and bracing myself, but it never did. It's a weird feeling, to be sure, but I never felt any pain. I'm also not very shy so having a strange lady between my legs (boy that sounds weird lol) wasn't bad for me either. They also do a breast exam so, like it or not, your doctor is going to see EVERYTHING. But it's not painful. The speculum feels weird and there's all this clicking that no one warns you about. You worry that the clicking is going to come with pain but it doesn't. The scraping of the cervix, again, feels weird but not painful. At least for me.

I've never had a doctor insert a finger in my rectum. I don't know why they'd do that, or where you read that. It's not likely to happen at your first exam.

I'd give it about a 2 or 3 on the uncomfortable scale. Probably more of a 6 if you're embarrassed about being naked in front of a stranger.Health Question & Answer

---

---

If you are going for your first pap smear, it is uncomfortable but not painful. They will take your blood pressure and weigh you. Then they will ask you lots of questions about your health and when your last period was. Then they have you put on a paper gown and get ready for the doctor. When the doctor comes in he may ask some questions about your health. He will discreetly check your breasts for lumps. There will always be a nurse or lady in the room with you and if there isn't and you want one, ask. Then they will put your feet in stirrups with your legs open and he will put two fingers into your vagina and push on your ovaries to check them. Then they will insert a speculum into your vagina and take a long q-tip and take a sample from your cervix. It doesn't hurt but is a little uncomfortable. Sometimes they will put a gloved finger into your anus to check to see that everything is okay there. Then it is over.

During the procedure, the doctor will probably talk to you about your life or family and try to keep your mind off what he is doing. If you try hard to relax and take deep breaths, it is less uncomfortable.

Don't be embarrassed, it is nothing compared to giving birth and being in labor, when it seems everyone is checking your vagina.

hope this helps..Health Question & Answer

---

---

I haven't experience any but I was able to assist a doctor during a pap smear. The patient is positioned in a lithotomy position (just like giving birth). During the insertion of the vaginal speculum just relaxed your muscle, open your legs widely and deep breathing (open your mouth) can help you to feel no pain. I also heard the doctor said that the speculum is a little bit cold (well it is metal).

I noticed that women who listen to the doctor's instruction feels no pain.
Try not to move because the more you move the more it is hard to get the specimen, the more the speculum will stay in you.Health Question & Answer

---

---

I don't think that it hurts, but if you are a virgin, it might. It isn't recommended that you start regular pap smears until the age of 21 or until you have begun having sex. There is a pinching feeling when they insert the speculum, and a the scraping of the cervix isn't the greatest, but all in all, it really isn't that bad. I would say the worst part of it for me would be how awkward it is. I also have never had anyone insert a finger in my backside though. But there was a breast exam. If I had to rate it on a scale, I would say a 3. I was so scared for my first appointment, but you will get through it. And on the up side, it doesn't take that long!Health Question & Answer

---

---

The speculum part really isn't that bad. Physically the worst part of it all for me is when they stick their fingers in and push around. That's pretty uncomfortable. But it doesn't hurt that bad. Just uncomfortable at times. But you will hardly be thinking of the physical pain, having your legs spread wide open in stirrups and a strange person between your legs. Other than that, it's really not that bad. I'd give it a 3-4.Health Question & Answer

---

---

i am 30 so have been for many pap smears and pelvic exams. I have never experienced any pain during them. It is slightly uncomfortable but that is it. Everyone is different though and some people do feel a bit of pain. no matter how horrible it is remember that they are quick and very necessary for your health. try relax when you go and don;t be embarrassed- the docs and nurses do that kind of thing every day.Health Question & Answer

---

---

it's uncomfortable, and embarrassing, but it doesn't really hurt so it's maybe a 3. i don't know what the whole sticking a finger in the rectum is about, i've never had that at my exams.Health Question & Answer

---

---

Sorry ...would love to answer that , but dear I have an advice to you, talk to your own Doc. and he will tell you all about it.Health Question & Answer

---

---

A father of 4Health Question & Answer

---

---

you pervert!Health Question & Answer

---

---