Pap Test

Cervical Smear

How It Feels

You will feel more comfortable during your Pap test if you and the health professional are relaxed. Breathing deeply and having a light conversation with your health professional may help you relax. Holding your breath or tensing your muscles will increase your discomfort.

You may feel some discomfort when the speculum is inserted, especially if your vagina is irritated, tender, or narrow. You may also feel pulling or pressure when the sample of cervical cells is being collected.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: August 14, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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