I'm confused, what exactly is a PAP smear for? How often should you get one? Do you have to be sexually active to get one?
2006-10-02 09:13:18 · 13 answers · asked by girlieGIRL 3 in Health ➔ Women's Health
A pap smear is done to sample cells from the cervix to check for cell changes or abnormalities. This is to detect any possible signs of pre-cancerous cells or cancer cells.
The new guideline is to have a yearly pap smear if you are sexually active or over 21 or if you are taking the birth control pill.
Also, it is now said that if you are over 30 and have had at least 3 consecutive negative pap smears you can switch to having a pap smear once every 3 years.
If you are over 21 or sexually active and have not had a pap smear yet, I highly recommend that you go in and get one soon.
It is only slightly uncomfortable (should not hurt) and does not take very long. And it is highly beneficial.
2006-10-02 09:22:21 · answer #1 · answered by frumosfata 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your first Pap should come as soon as you become sexually active or by your 21st birthday - whichever comes first, then annually thereafter. .
The Pap test is to screen for irregular cell development that may lead up to cervical cancer. And no, sexual activity is not a requirement. However, it has been proven that HPV - the virus that causes cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted disease, so if you ARE sexually active, the Pap smear is your best defense against pre-cancerous changes.
Also, be aware that there is a new HPV vaccine, which ALL young women should get before becoming sexually active. Ask your doc about it.
2006-10-02 16:19:20 · answer #2 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should have a pap smear when you become sexually active. The pap test is screening for cervical cancer. You get cervical cancer from the HPV virus, which you get by becoming sexually active. You should have a pap every year when you start having sex and continue up until youve been in a monogamous relation ship for longer then 5 years.
2006-10-02 16:30:49 · answer #3 · answered by fit4life 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A PAP smear is to detect cervical cancer. Most women start getting them at around 18. You don't need to be sexually active. I'm not sure of the frequency.
2006-10-02 16:16:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Once you become sexually active, you're supposed to get a Pap smear every year. You should schedule your appointment for the week AFTER you've had your period in order to get the most accurate results.
2006-10-02 16:18:33 · answer #5 · answered by Dovie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not entirely sure what the PAP abbreviation stands for, but it is vitally important that you should start going for them on a regular basis - AT LEAST once every 2 years. Having sex has no influence on it at all. If you have a history of cancer in your family, it is even more important to go for a PAP smear regularly if you don't wanna die of cancer...
2006-10-02 16:21:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
PAP smear is good for early detection of cervical diseases. You can go to a clinic that offer that service. Most clinics do
2006-10-02 16:17:28 · answer #7 · answered by Adsense$Profits? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, when you become sexually active is when you should get your first one done and if it is normal about every year after that. The reason they are performed are to detect abnormalities in the cervical cells such as maybe cervical cancer and to check for std's and other disorders or abnormalities.
2006-10-02 16:38:41 · answer #8 · answered by LKJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My doctor said if you are under 20yrs old and not sexually active, there is no good reason to get one. If you are older then 20 or are sexually active, you should get one yearly when you go in for your physical, unless your doctor suggests otherwise.
2006-10-02 16:18:21 · answer #9 · answered by Luckiest_Wife_EVER 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should get a pap every six months. They check for cancer and abnormalities. You do not have to be sexually active.
2006-10-02 16:29:47 · answer #10 · answered by aljw526 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋