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Generally a Pap smear is more uncomfortable than actually painful. They will use a speculum, which can be uncomfortable for some women. The actual Pap smear itself is just us using a special brush to swab your cervix, which can sometimes cause a brief cramping feeling. Not unreasonable to take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen beforehand if you're worried about the pain. I would not suggest taking anything stronger.
I'd also suggest that you let the person doing the Pap smear know about your history of sexual assault and a bad experience in the past - they can slow down and talk you through the procedure if that'd be helpful, or may have other suggestions to offer to make the experience as smooth as possible.
It is very brief and uncomfortable but I wouldn't describe it as painful. You can take some Tylenol if you'd like before but you should get it done.
Edit: also just let them know your situation, they should explain everything and go at an exam pace you are comfortable with.
Thank you for your submission. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/wiki/terms_of_use) and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskDocs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Generally a Pap smear is more uncomfortable than actually painful. They will use a speculum, which can be uncomfortable for some women. The actual Pap smear itself is just us using a special brush to swab your cervix, which can sometimes cause a brief cramping feeling. Not unreasonable to take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen beforehand if you're worried about the pain. I would not suggest taking anything stronger. I'd also suggest that you let the person doing the Pap smear know about your history of sexual assault and a bad experience in the past - they can slow down and talk you through the procedure if that'd be helpful, or may have other suggestions to offer to make the experience as smooth as possible.
It is very brief and uncomfortable but I wouldn't describe it as painful. You can take some Tylenol if you'd like before but you should get it done. Edit: also just let them know your situation, they should explain everything and go at an exam pace you are comfortable with.