hi alison.when i had my first smear i have to admitting i was pooing myself to put it politely as i had heard so many horror stories of it being painful and feeling like you are being stretched wide open.i will admit my first 1 was very very slightly stingy but i think that was down to nerves and it was all over in 20 seconds and stung for about 5 seconds if that.when you go to your appointment tell the nurse that you are nervous and she will talk you through it and answer your questions.all the smears i have had since havent hurt at all just feel a bit uncomfy with a bit of prodding but not painful.if you do get abnormal results dont worry as i had abnormal smears from 2004 and i had treatment and i am still here.good luckxx