Hi,
I've been putting off a pap smear for years as my first (and last) one was really painful and couldn't be completed. The nurse at the time was very calming and used the smallest plastic speculum, but it still hurt like a %@&£#.
I'm 28 and haven't had a smear in 8 years. I'm gay and don't get penetrated (I dislike it psychologically and physically), so there's not been much... stretching out down there.
I'm not sure if I have a particularly narrow vagina/vaginal canal. I went for a different exam years ago where the GP checked with her finger, and she didn't say anything was unusual. (I actually went because I'd noticed a lump, but it seems this is just part of my structure.)
I know you can take medications to relax you, but I think I'd need something to physically loosen me up down there. Would it be feasible/appropriate to masturbate immediately beforehand? If not, what can I do to reduce the pain?
Thanks :S