Can it hurt after a smear test?

It is normal to experience some mild discomfort or cramping during or after a smear test. This is usually due to the pressure of the speculum holding open the vagina, or the scraping of the cells from the cervix. The discomfort typically subsides within a few hours or days.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms after a smear test, it's important to contact your doctor:

- Severe or prolonged pain

- Heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding

- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

- Fever or chills

- Difficulty urinating

These could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as an infection or injury to the cervix or vagina.