I had a lot of trouble finally getting gynecological exams. I was allowed to postpone mine for years due to having a PTSD letter written to my doctor by my psychiatrist. However, eventually I did it. I had the doctor use the smallest speculum she had (you can ask for that -- they do make really small ones). I also had a nurse holding my hand the whole time, which you could also ask for. Or you can bring someone with you to hold your hand. It is very quick. I did get my breasts and lower abdomen felt, too, like an above poster mentioned, but that did not bother me as much. Let the doctor know if you're in pain or getting anxious or upset, etc. Sometimes doctors will tell the patient step-by-step what they are doing, if that would help you (it just makes me more anxious, so I opt out of that). Good luck! And nowadays if your pap smear comes back normal twice in a row you can skip a year. That's what I did this year.