2006-08-03 04:53:07 · 12 answers · asked by stac666 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Smear tests are offered to all women between the ages of 25 - 65 in the UK. Until a few months ago the age range was 21 - 65.
The reason for the change in protocol is that up until age 25, the cervix is still developing and cells may appear 'abnormal' upon smear testing, when in fact the changes are perfectly normal.
Smear tests are not necessary if you have never been sexually active as virtually all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus), which is only passed on during sexual activity.
You can still ask your GP or local genito urinary medicine clinic for smear testing even if you are less than 25. It's just that your name won't appear on the national screening programme register until this time, which is when you will be sent a reminder to book an appointment for a test.
I hope this helps.
2006-08-03 12:06:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the UK they ask you to go for your first smear test at around 21 years old, this is largely due to cost to the NHS rather than down to when you 'should' get your first smear and I think for the most part is a very late time to go – more so if you take into consideration that most girls and women will not go to see a gynaecologist or sexual health nurse until they are specifically asked to go and considering how many children are risking their sexual health by having underage sex. That said at 21 you would expect a woman to be educated enough to bypass the nonsense many gynaecologists and sexual health care providers can feed patients in terms of either their ignorance or ideas on how to care for the wider population of women rather than dealing with individual needs.
To me I think certainly before the age of 18 years old, whatever you are sexually active or not, if you are sexually active at the age of 16 or younger then it I believe it is vital to have smears done earlier because of the increased risk. Any age before 16 is overkill as the chances of finding anything abnormal are very slim. Swabs and other vaginal health checks however should, in my opinion and with my knowledge at least, be done from either 16 or earlier if you are sexually active or have menstrual problems before that time.
2006-08-03 14:08:20 · answer #2 · answered by Kasha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually when you start becoming sexually active, or when you become 18 (whichever happens first). Sometimes, if a doctor puts you on birth control pills, they will require you to have a pap smear first.
Hope this helps!
2006-08-03 11:57:16 · answer #3 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont quote me on this....
I thought it was when you turn 20 years old, now it has been changed to 25 yrs old.
They say you get cervical cancer if you are sexually active before the legal age, if you smoke or if you have several sexual partners that dont use condoms
2006-08-03 14:51:58 · answer #4 · answered by Rebz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually around the age of 16...at least thats when my mom made me go
2006-08-03 11:56:32 · answer #5 · answered by ki77303 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually when you hit high school, or plan on being sexually active.
2006-08-03 11:56:59 · answer #6 · answered by smarteepants 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
after you become sexually active or when your around 18.
2006-08-03 11:56:40 · answer #7 · answered by princess sparkel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no in UK its 21 it was on the waiting room wall
2006-08-03 13:02:44 · answer #8 · answered by munchie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i thought it was when your over 25
2006-08-03 12:01:33 · answer #9 · answered by nicky.x 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you become sexually active, but the recommended age is 18yrs
2006-08-03 11:58:52 · answer #10 · answered by jennifer p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋