It was a tad embarassing, but not too bad. Basically, he had me lie on the table covered with those paper sheet things and feet in stirrups. The swab went on the outside of each side of the nanny and then inside the first inch or so of the nanny. Then, the same swab was swiped along the outside of the anus for a couple of seconds. It was VERY ticklish actually. I'm glad he just seemed to be doing it half blindly and didn't have me get on my side or spread my cheeks or anything. That is what I was worried about.
Then, he did a pelvic exam and said "this may hurt a little." It wasn't too bad though -- just a bit uncomfortable when he was really pushing on the cervix.
I'm effaced some but not yet dilated any, he said.