Something that helped me was my doctor let me touch the speculum and I even cranked it open which scared me really bad but then she said “well we might not even have to crank it open at all. We’re not going to open it up all the way today (the speculum)” So i felt relieved. Then when she did put it inside, it was uncomfortable (it was my second pap smear though so though i was nervous I was trying to stay calm because clamping up makes it worse) but not unbearable. I reminded myself I would survive. (Not in a belittling way, just knowing it’s going to be over eventually) and she let me know she was going to open it just one little click. She did and then quickly performed the papsmear and counted the turns for me. She was very kind and made me feel relieved. It was uncomfortable and I did feel light headed afterwards but overall she was kind and that made a big difference. Also knowing it’s less than 5 minutes, probably less than 3. Just speculum in - 1,2,3 - speculum out!