I have always found smear tests painful, but then I have always had a problem with any kind of penetration (sex is painful since I was young due to a bad experience, long story). Aside from that, every time I have a smear test, I make sure to book it around mid cycle so that I can be sure I won't be on my period. Every time I have the test, the nurse always points out that there is "some discharge" or "a bit of discharge", or sometimes "quite a bit of discharge". I thought a bit of discharge was normal, especially around ovulation time?? I always get a fair amount of discharge for a few days around ovulation time, have done all my adult life (I'm in my mid 40s now), but every nurse who had done a smear test on me points it out like it's something abnormal?! Today I had a smear test, which was very painful as usual, and the nurse even said that because my discharge was quite "creamy" I've probably got thrush, and should go to the pharmacist and get a treatment. However I've got no symptoms of thrush whatsoever, I've had it in the past and know what it feels like. Is it possible to have asymptomatic  thrush my whole adult life which would explain the "creamy" discharge I always get around mid cycle? Isn't some discharge normal? There's no nasty smell to indicate an infection or anything. Also, during my smear tests my cervix always seems to bleed too easily apparently, again this has always happened and I've never had a positive test result, and I've also had tests for STIs which were all negative. The nurses always point out this bleeding and say it could be a problem, but apart from painful smear tests (and painful sex due to past trauma), I don't have any symptoms. All of the above had been going on for more than 20 years, so I wonder if anyone can weigh in?

Thanks in advance.