A speculum is a metal instrument that looks somewhat like a duck's bill. After the speculum has been opened, a cervical brush and then a spatula will be used to rub a sample of cells off the cervix. This may cause the patient to experience some spotting after the exam, but it will not hurt. The sample of cells is spread onto a slide and this is the Pap smear. Any samples for testing for infections will be collected.
Some doctors screen for sexually transmitted diseases routinely.
However, most tests will only be done if there is a reason. The speculum is then closed and removed from the patient's vagina. For this part of the exam, the doctor will lubricate her index and middle fingers with K-Y jelly to aid in the comfort of the patient during insertion into the vagina. She will then press down lightly, which does not feel much different from when a doctor presses on the abdomen alone. Both hands are used to get a feeling for the size of the uterus.