Does is hurt when you have had a pap smear done?

Answer 1

http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=fvvpVVQGUtc


here it shows how its done with no pain at all







I hear a lot of people say, "Oh, a pap smear doesn't hurt... it's just uncomfortable." Well, mine hurt today and have always hurt. It is both uncomfortable and moderately painful. Maybe a pain level comparable to someone yanking your hair. It hurts when it happens and then there's a smarting soreness that slowly fades. Not like you can't bear it, but why volunteer?

Theories as to why it hurts us two and nobody else: 1) we're the only people with nerve endings on our cervix 2) Speculums are made of velvet at every other doctor's office and our doctors use iron ones with spikes [note: I find this the "uncomfortable" part, but I do not see how someone is saying that is not also slightly painful.]3) It could be that you have one or more small growths called "fibroids" growing in an area that is being crushed by the speculum or the doctor's hand. Fibroids are like skin tags that grow on the inside of the uterus. 4) You are tensed up and because your're not relaxed it hurts more. [I don't buy this suggestion AT ALL] I am a fearless person. I tolerate pain well and am not squeamish.

Perhaps worst of all, every single time, [except for today] the doctor [male or female, I have never gone back to the same one] has made what I consider to be inappropriate comments. So, I avoid pap smears as much as possible. Of course, the medical profession does not recommend this.

A pap smear may be uncomfortable but should never be painful. Pain could be numerous reasons; - a pulled pubic hair, - not parting the labia enough or parting it too far before inserting the speculum, - if the cervix is quite close to the entrance of the vagina, the speculum may be pushing on it when opening, - the instruments used can cause discomfort if a woman is quite sensitive. The most common reason, would be that a Dr/Nurse is not watching the cervix as they remove the speculum. Sometimes the cervix can cause "suction" where it is sitting quite snuggly in the speculum. When the clinician removed the speculum without watching they may be pulling on the cervix/uterus, which can cause quite a lot of pain/discomfort. Women who have had this can have a dragging sensation and be quite crampy for a day after their pap smear. This shouldn't be happening. A clinician should be watching the speculum, and if "stuck" using techniques to remove the speculum without causing any discomfort. Another reason for pain, could be an STI and the swabs used for a pap smear can also be tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. In general, a screening pap smear performed every 2 years (In Australia), should not be painful and the only discomfort should be the psychological barriers from the woman. These can be reduced if the clinician is awesome! :)

Answer 2

It generally will not hurt to get a Pap smear. The doctor does have to use a speculum to open the vaginal canal, which can cause a bit of pressure. Then, a small brush or cotton tipped stick will be rubbed on the cervix. This should not hurt; it could be slightly uncomfortable though because they are rubbing with enough pressure to remove some cells from the surface of the cervix. Most women would not call getting a pap smear a painful experience.

Answer 3

I will be completely honest with you, it depends upon the doctor. I have had one Doctor Who did it to where it was "barely" uncomfortable at all and another doctor that I flinched because it was slightly painful. A flu shot hurts much worse. It is not so much a pain factor as just an uncomfortable factor, but it usually happens really fast so don't stress about it too much. After the first one, the just get easier because you know what to expect. Just be sure to relax so that it causes less pressure against your vaginal canal.

Answer 4

Some women find pap smears uncomfortable, and others do not. It is awkward, but not typically painful. If you feel pain during a pap smear, let your health care provider know so that they can work with you on strategies to make it more comfortable.

Answer 5

Most would discribe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. The potential benefits massively outweighs the brief discomfort

Answer 6

no it does not hurt. it can just be a little uncomfortable for some

Answer 7

not really it will be a little uncomfortable but nothing to be to concerned about.

Answer 8

YES! ABSOLUTLEY! it is very very painful.

Answer 9

yes