Welcome to the forum Sylvo although I'm so sorry to hear what happened when you went for your cervical screening.

I have found this article on Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust which suggests various ways of making a cervical screening more comfortable, including asking your nurse or GP to give (prescribe) you a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary if you have been through the menopause but for further information and advice it may be worth giving their specialist nurses a call on 0808 802 8000.  

I'm sure some of our members who have had a similar experience to yourself will share their thoughts and advice with you soon as well.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Ask if they have a smaller speculum and ask for extra lubrication. My test was also very painful and I was in tears. The nurse did say to me that it's easier if you have penetrative sex, which I don't, but I can see why it may be.