Really need some advice on how to proceed after being unable to do a smear test due to the pain!

I recently got invited to book my first cervical screening test, and although I am a virgin I did some research and saw there is still some value to getting the test done even with no past sexual activity. At the appointment once the nurse found out I was a virgin she said I didn't need to have it done but it was up to me. I went ahead just so I could have the peace of mind knowing if there was anything abnormal going on, as there are other causes of cervical cancer. 

However, the pain was so unbearable that I had to stop twice and couldn't try again, and the speculum wasn't even all the way in (the smallest was used). I was also confused as the nurse didn't apply any lubricant but I think I was in so much pain I didn't think to ask. I was also bleeding afterwards but the nurse put this down to me being a virgin and said the pain and blood was likely to me being a virgin or the speculum breaking my hymen a bit. 

This experience has made me terrified to try again and I really want to as I have also noticed spotting in between periods which is new for my cycle. Has anyone else had painful smear experiences and what have your options been after? I'm also worried I may have something else causing the pain when the nurse tried to insert the speculum. 

Sorry there's so much to read but does anyone have any advice or experience they could share with me? Or could it be just be down to the fact that I am a virgin?