[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/06\/do-pap-smears-hurt\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/06\/do-pap-smears-hurt\/","headline":"Do Pap Smears Hurt?","name":"Do Pap Smears Hurt?","description":"

You know you should have a Pap smear \u2014 but you're worried it may hurt. Though getting a Pap test may cause discomfort, it shouldn't cause pain. Learn more here.<\/p>","datePublished":"2024-06-20","dateModified":"2024-06-17","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GettyImages-1682074275-2.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GettyImages-1682074275-2.jpg","height":866,"width":1999},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/06\/do-pap-smears-hurt\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Women's Health"],"wordCount":1126,"articleBody":"If you haven\u2019t 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\u2019t feel painful. Here\u2019s 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 \u2014 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\u2019t get cervical cancer. You should start getting Pap smears when you\u2019re 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.\u00a0The HPV test detects the virus that causes cervical cancer. Unlike the Pap test, it does not locate abnormal cells \u2014 just the virus.What to Expect When You Get a Pap SmearYou can get a Pap smear at your doctor\u2019s 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 smearYou don\u2019t 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\u2019t use spermicidal foams, creams, jellies, douches, or lubricants at least 48 hours before your Pap smear.Don\u2019t have vaginal sex for 48 hours before your appointment.Don\u2019t use tampons for 48 hours before your appointment.Empty your bladder before you go into the doctor\u2019s office. Having a full bladder might make the test more uncomfortable.Plan to stay at your doctor\u2019s 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\u2019ve 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\u2019re having your period. But if you\u2019re having a lighter flow, you may still take the test. You should call the doctor\u2019s office to see if you should reschedule.During the Pap smearYou\u2019ll 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\u2019ll 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 smearYou 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 SmearEven if you know a Pap test shouldn’t hurt, feeling anxious is normal \u2014 especially if you haven\u2019t had one before. When you\u2019re 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 SmearGive 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\u2019re at the doctor\u2019s 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\u2019t matter if you talk about the weather or sports \u2014 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\u2019ll treat yourself later that day (a dinner out, a night spent reading or watching a favorite movie).SourcesNational Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer Screening. LinkCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening for Cervical Cancer. LinkMedlinePlus. Pap test. LinkPlanned Parenthood. When should I get a Pap test? And will it hurt? LinkBBC. Smear test top tips: How to make cervical screening more comfortable. 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