Are pat smars aching and do they cut you or what do they do?

If you are not sexually active (especially a virgin) it WILL be rough. If not then it is a bit discomfited but it's best to relax and breathe or it will only attain worst.
they just swab your cervix to collect a few cell. you'll feel a mild cramping (like when you capture your period) but it goes away promptly. it's really not that bad.