Ali - a standard internal exam (as I have experienced it anyway) is just a doctor or midwife inserting a couple of fingers into your vagina and feeling the cervix to see whether it has dilated, and if so by how much. I guess a speculum could be used, but the only time I have ever had a speculum in there is for a pap smear.
Thanks, I didn't realise they used fingers. I now understand why it would be ouchy - I HATE the feeling of having my cervix touched Oh well all stuff I need to get used to I suppose ;P