 A pap smear is a vaginal exam that screens for cervical cancer. It's done by collecting cervical cells to be examined for abnormal growth and other indications of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. Two days before the test, you must abstain from sex, avoid douching or using any vaginal medicines or creams. Try not to schedule a pap smear during your menstrual period. On the day of the procedure, you will be required to lie down with your knees bent. The doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum holds the walls of your vagina apart so that your doctor can easily see your cervix. Speculum insertion may cause some pressure in your pelvic area. The doctor will then take samples of your cervical cells and transfer a cell sample collected from your cervix into a container. The procedure takes around 5 minutes and is painless. Reports will be available after 3 days.