2006-10-13 15:31:12 · 11 answers · asked by razrbldcomplicate 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
In short depending on your age, It is recommended that young woman have a pap test, every 2 years (Australia), 12 months after 1st sexual encounter. Or once you have reached 18 continuing until the age of approximately 70 years of age.
If under 18 and not having had any sexual contact, the doctors may be reluctant, to do it, but will if there is family history of cancer particularly cervical cancer.
Doctors refused to do a test on my daughter (who was under 18 at the time) until she had either had a sexual contact, or reached the age of 18.
It is a little uncomfortable and embarrassing but if it means the difference of finding and treating cancer its worth it.
Check out the links below they will give you far more info that what I could give.
Good luck
2006-10-13 15:53:38 · answer #1 · answered by Georgie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix, usually caused by HPV, which is generally sexually transmitted. therefore a virgin technically does not need a Pap smear. The Pap is ONLY checking the cervical cells, it is not checking for anyting else. additional tests can be added to check for STD's, but the Pap itself does not.
the ACOG guidelines now say that the first Pap needs to be done at age 21, or 3 years after the first intercourse, since HPV is slow-growing... i think 3 years is too long, but that is what they are recommending now.
2006-10-13 15:43:14 · answer #2 · answered by lucysmom 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Pap test can detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix. Regular Pap testing and careful medical follow-up (with treatment if necessary) can help ensure that pre-cancerous changes in the cervix do not develop into life-threatening cervical cancer. Women should begin getting a Pap test within 3 years of the onset of sexual activity, but no later than at age 21.
2006-10-13 15:44:44 · answer #3 · answered by JS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since HPV is responsible for most cervical cancers, and if the woman is not on the birth contraol pill for like acne, I see no reason why she can't delay getting her first pap smear.
2006-10-13 15:43:43 · answer #4 · answered by Rachel☺ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes... the true reason for pap smear is to search for cervical cancer, let alone diseases... it also helps to find any bacterial or yeast infections that a woman may get.... which is often obtained from the summer... so yes.. .a woman needs a pap smear every year from the day of the end of their first period til' they die... every and all women
2006-10-13 15:33:45 · answer #5 · answered by born2bfree 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Absolutely.
2006-10-13 16:22:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. just because you have not been sexually active does not mean there cannot be cancer or other problems.You are young and odds are much against you having a problem but better safe than sorry.
2006-10-13 15:35:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
A woman still needs to be medically checked whether she is sexually active or not to make sure she is okay and to protect against Cancer.
2006-10-13 15:34:03 · answer #8 · answered by Tara662 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes they check for cancers and other problems, not just STD's
2006-10-13 15:32:53 · answer #9 · answered by Backwoods Barbie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, only when they become sexually active they will start needing one year after year.
2006-10-13 15:33:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋