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If you haven’t had a Pap test before, you may wonder: Do Pap smears hurt? And how long does a Pap test take?

The good news is that getting a Pap smear takes only a few minutes. And though it may feel a bit uncomfortable, it shouldn’t feel painful. Here’s what you need to know before getting a Pap smear.

What Is a Pap Smear?

A lot of women think that a “pap smear” is the same thing as a “pelvic exam” or a “speculum exam” at the Gynecologists office. A “pap” smear is actually short for the Papanicolaou test (known as the Pap smear or Pap test) which is actually a test that screens for cervical cancer. Note: not all pelvic exams are for a pap smear, so just because your doctor had to use a speculum does not necessarily mean that a pap smear was done, and you should be empowered to ask your doctor what tests they are doing. However, a true pap smear allows doctors to find changes in cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus. These abnormal cells could eventually become cancerous.

During a pelvic exam, your doctor examines your vulva, vagina, ovaries, and uterus for any problems.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. HPV is a virus that can infect cervical cells and cause them to change. HPV spreads through vaginal, oral, and anal sex, as well as close sexual touching.

The Pap smear, along with getting the HPV vaccine, is the best way to make sure you don’t get cervical cancer. You should start getting Pap smears when you’re 21. Your doctor can tell you how often you should have one.

Your doctor may also recommend the HPV test, either instead of or along with the Pap test. The HPV test detects the virus that causes cervical cancer. Unlike the Pap test, it does not locate abnormal cells — just the virus.

What to Expect When You Get a Pap Smear

You can get a Pap smear at your doctor’s office or a clinic. The important thing is to make sure you get regular Pap tests.

Having your Pap smear during your annual ob-gyn appointment is usually easiest. Your doctor can give you the Pap test during your pelvic exam.

Before the Pap smear

You don’t need much preparation to get ready for a Pap test. But you should:

• Avoid products that could interfere with the accuracy of the test. Don’t use spermicidal foams, creams, jellies, douches, or lubricants at least 48 hours before your Pap smear.
• Don’t have vaginal sex for 48 hours before your appointment.
• Don’t use tampons for 48 hours before your appointment.
• Empty your bladder before you go into the doctor’s office. Having a full bladder might make the test more uncomfortable.
• Plan to stay at your doctor’s office for an hour or so. You may need to fill out paperwork before your appointment. If your Pap test is part of your annual ob-gyn exam, your appointment will take longer than a Pap test alone.
• Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had an abnormal Pap smear in the past or if you might have gotten pregnant.
• Try not to schedule your Pap test when you’re having your period. But if you’re having a lighter flow, you may still take the test. You should call the doctor’s office to see if you should reschedule.

During the Pap smear

You’ll need to undress from the waist down to have a Pap smear. If you get your screening along with a breast and pelvic exam, a nurse will give you a paper gown to wear.

The Pap test only takes a few minutes. You’ll lie on a table with your knees bent and feet in footrests.

Your doctor will gently insert a speculum (tool used to visualize your cervix) into your vagina. Your doctor may warm the speculum and apply lubricant to make it more comfortable.

After the doctor inserts the speculum, they open it slightly, allowing the doctor to see your cervix. They collect cells from your cervix with a small brush, then send the sample to a lab for testing.

Does a Pap smear hurt?

A Pap test usually will not hurt. You may feel some pressure or slight discomfort, like menstrual cramps. If you feel pain, tell your doctor right away. You are always in control of any pelvic exam.

After the Pap smear

You can go about your daily activities after a Pap test. You might have some light bleeding, so wearing a pantyliner for the rest of the day is a good idea.

Factors That May Cause Discomfort During a Pap Smear

Even if you know a Pap test shouldn’t hurt, feeling anxious is normal — especially if you haven’t had one before. When you’re nervous, your pelvic muscles may tighten up, making the exam more uncomfortable.

People also have different pain thresholds. What may seem like a minor annoyance to a friend may cause you discomfort or distress.

Note: You should always say something to the doctor or nurse if you feel pain during your Pap test. Specula come in different sizes and it’s possible that the one your doctor uses is too big for you.

How to Minimize Discomfort and Anxiety During a Pap Smear

Give yourself plenty of extra time to get to the appointment, allowing for traffic and other logistical snags. Arriving rushed and flustered will only make you feel more anxious about the Pap test.

Practicing some relaxation techniques before you have a Pap test might help. Then, while you’re at the doctor’s office:

• Breathe deeply. One technique is to breathe in for five seconds, take a pause, and slowly breathe out for five seconds.
• Chat with the doctor or nurse. It doesn’t matter if you talk about the weather or sports — the point is to distract yourself from the exam.
• Consciously think about relaxing specific muscles. Start with your shoulders and work down your body. Do your best to relax the pelvic muscles.
• Let your stomach muscles soften. Concentrate on breathing through your belly instead of lifting up through your shoulders when you inhale.
• Think about a calming place like the beach or a favorite memory. Even better, picture how you’ll treat yourself later that day (a dinner out, a night spent reading or watching a favorite movie).