^ Oh sweetie, I hope not!! In my experience they've been, well, while not exactly 'comfortable', I've never experienced pain/discomfort and it's all been over in less than two minutes from start to finish so nothing to worry about... I think my trick is going to the GP for it because I get along wonderfully with the nurse who performs the pap smear - we get chatting when I walk in to see her and I hardly notice as she goes about her business because we're yacking away If you can find a doctor/nurse that you're comfortable with, it will be much easier on you. Good luck