A few minutes inside a regular pelvic exam: a speculum gently opens the vagina so the cervix can be seen, then a small soft brush collects cells, which usually does not hurt.
The speculum can bring pressure or cramping. The sample goes to a lab, sometimes with an HPV test on the same swab, and results come back in days to weeks.
What to do
Common questions
What happens at a Pap smear?
A Pap smear takes a few minutes inside a regular pelvic exam. You undress from the waist down, lie back with your feet in footrests, and the provider gently inserts a speculum - a plastic or metal instrument - into the vagina to widen it so the cervix is visible. That part can bring a feeling of pressure or cramping. Then the provider uses a small, soft brush or swab to collect cells from the cervix, which usually does not hurt, and the sample goes to a lab. Sometimes an HPV test runs on the same sample. The whole collection is over in a couple of minutes. Practical tips: schedule when you are not on your period if possible, skip douching and vaginal products for a day or two beforehand, and tell the provider if it is your first one - going slowly and explaining each step is standard when asked. Results come back in days to weeks. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can help you prepare or read your results.