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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Female -- Ob/Gyn Visits > Pap test and stretching the vagina
Posted on: 09/18/2007
Question
does a pap smear stretch the vagina?
Answer
The vagina is already stretchy, with lots of soft tissue. During a pap test, in order to see the cervix, which is where the swab touches, the doctor will use a speculum to open the vagina. This is a tool that looks like a bird's beak, that goes inside your vagina and then lifts the tissue out of the way so the doctor can see in. It is not very comfortable, but if you relax it is not so bad, then the vagina goes right back to it's original shape.