First smear test! Worried!!!

[CandyApple1995]

I've got to go for my first smear test next week and I'm really nervous! Which part hurts more, the speculum or the part where they take the sample of cells from the cervix ??? I've heard a couple of horror stories so could do with some reassurance! Thanks X

I've always found the inserting of the speculum the worst part and when they open it up. I take some pain killers before I go and ask the nurse to push the speculum in whilst I breath out; I breath in deeply first then exhale while she inserts as it helps me relax. You can also try putting you hands under your bum to raise yourself up a bit which also helps. It's uncomfy but over very quickly. I don't really notice the scraping part as it's a brush these days so nothing is felt really. Also ask for a small speculum and ask that they use ky jelly - they are plastic too nowadays not horrid cold metal. A much better experience and one I'm due to have in a couple of months.