[ghostoverground]

I've never had a pap smear but I've had at least 3 pelvic exams-- my first when I was 15 because I had to have emergency surgery to remove an ovarian cyst and correct ovarian torsion.. so since then I've had follow-ups, etc. I didn't really have any pain or discomfort. I thought the fact that the surgeon (who is now my gynecologist) was a guy would make it more awkward but I found no difference. Maybe even less awkward with a male, as long as he's middle-aged or old , hah.