I just got a new ob/gyn (my old one retired) and it was the first time in my life when exam and Pap smear didn’t hurt.
I liked my previous gyn because I had gyn issues and it was taken care of, very knowledgeable. But Pap smear was always uncomfortable.
It was barely noticeable this time. I don’t know what was different. It also helped that gyn talked the whole time engaging me in a conversation and I didn’t even notice
Vaginal dryness is normal with age. Am not going any creams and was never prescribed any.