I have had smear tests done successfully for 25 years, a little uncomfortable but not painful.  The last one I had 3 years ago was awful, it took the nurse ages to get the swab and it was painful.  Today I went for my smear and it was the same nurse and it was so painful. After 3 attempts she gave up and said I need to see my GP and/or a gynecology Dr. I am not sure why it is so painful when they used to be fine. Is it me, I am post menopausal or is it the nurse?? She didn't seem to know how to do it properly, seeing all your posts makes me think they aren't trained how to do it properly