Can a pap smear break your hymen?

A pap smear should not break the hymen. The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina. It usually breaks naturally during sexual activity, but it can also be broken during other activities such as sports or horseback riding. A pap smear is a medical procedure that involves gently inserting a small, smooth instrument called a speculum into the vagina to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. This sample is then tested for any abnormalities. The speculum is not inserted into the hymen, so it should not cause any damage to it.