i would advise them that you have had pain from the speculum in the past. when it comes to egg pick up, i don't know that you'll have a speculum (my understanding is that it's an ultrasound probe with needle attached) - at transfer, you will need the speculum, but there should be a fair amount of lubrication from both natural hormones and the crinone or progesterone pessaries that you are using. yes, it can be very uncomfortable - especially if you have a difficult cervix (tilted at a strange angle or higher than normal) - i know i've had discomfort most times, but i have a high cervix tilted to one side that rarely plays nice with being found (i have had to have the speculum upside down to get the right angle more than once!).

don't be afraid to tell them that you've had pain in the past - the aim is to have you as relaxed as possible - if you go in tense as you fear the pain, it is more likely to hurt as you're already tensing the muscles.

good luck for your cycle

BG