I'd guess the change on cervical exam was the nurse/doctor that did it. But as we get older, there is less natural lubrication (probably why they use gallons of lube on the speculum). If it happens next time, mention it to the doc/nurse. They can give suggestions for making it less painful (assuming they don't suck, and tell you it's all in your head). IIRC where you are in your cycle can also play a role (don't quote me on that).

To answer your original questions, I think they generally get more invasive, so yeah, but as technology has improved, exams have become far less awful overall.