it isn't bad at all its very quick..the dr should talk to you about the procedure..basically you lay down on the table..they insert this instrument into you so they can do the pap..they take a quick swab and boom its over..thats it..i was overly worried about this..no, it isn't not the most comfortable situation but it isn't as bad as I thought it'd be....whether or not you choose to have a female or a male dr is up to you..personally, i chose a female just bc thats what I was more comfortable with..I didn't want any other guy down there...again thats up to you