I have to have my first smear test next week and somebody has told me they have to put something called a “speculum” inside me. This has made me quite terrified. What on earth is it?

Fear not. A speculum is just a little plastic or metal device which goes inside the vagina, so the doctor or nurse can see your cervix. If she knows what she’s doing, there is little discomfort. But if the speculum is metal, she ought to warm it up beforehand. Otherwise, it can be decidedly chilly.