I've heard of instances where a numbing cream or mild sedative are used when a woman experiences extreme discomfort or pain during a PAP smear. That would be up to you and your gyno. I would definitely make sure he/she knows how painful the experience is for you. I'd explain it once and then again.

I had a friend in college who was so stressed out by the experience, she would always take her mom with her for support -- and to distract her during the procedure. It worked, after they pried her fingernails out of the furniture. ; )

I hate PAPs too. I don't feel any pain, just discomfort and the usual embarrassment. I get through it by cracking bad jokes. Really bad ones. Or so the doctor says...