I want to know if a pap smear is necessary before losing virginity? I know for a fact almost everybody goes ahead and loses their virginity without even thinking of getting a checkup first...But in my case, I am 19 years old, been with my amazing boyfriend for over a year now and have decided to give it up to him. I haven't had a pap smear before and was wondering if I should get one before i have lose it, or wait until after?
2007-01-29 11:39:25 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
I was just wondering because of my age and, god forbid, what if there was something wrong with my insides and sex further complicate things? On the other hand, I will just have to go right back after I lose my virginity. Ha
2007-01-29 11:45:49 · update #1
A pap smear is a test to check for cervical cancer. It's not generally needed until after sexual activity starts. The reason why is what IS necessary before losing your virginity. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called HPV. It's sexually transmitted, and 80% of the adult population carries it. Get vaccinated before you have sex.
Another necessity is chemical birth control (pill, patch, ring, or shot). They take up to a month to become effective, so you must start before you have sex. Condoms break, but chemical birth control is 99% effective.
Any general practitioner (your family doctor) or women's clinic will be able to help you with both.
2007-01-29 12:02:50 · answer #1 · answered by trai 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based on your logic, if a woman remains a virgin her whole life she will never need a pap test....which ,of course, is wrong. Being sexually active will make your risk of cervical cancer higher based on several issues, which we will not get into now. However, cervical cancer can happen to virgins. So, yes, pap tests are appropriate. What's even more an issue here..which merits a visit to your health care provider....is birth control. A pap test is usually done before birth control pills are started...however...you would also be wise to get the new vaccine to prevent HPV, since you have never had sex and have not been exposed yet. At nineteen, a visit would be a good idea...even if it was to discuss the question you have just asked..I bet you have a few more. And, yes , I speak from experience...as a woman...and as a health care provider.
2007-01-29 19:52:57 · answer #2 · answered by tlbrown42000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pap smears are required for all girls but necessary for all girls once they have had sex. Pap smears check for problems, and inconsistantcy. You are at a good age to begin this process. You need to get in a good habit to visit the OBGYN each year. This will assure that you are healthy. If you never have sex until you are 30 will you wait until then to see a doctor about a sensitive area? I know I wouldnt!
2007-02-03 20:48:30 · answer #3 · answered by lccutie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think that a pap would break your hymen. A pap, though, is used to determine if you are at risk for cancer. So a pap isn't necessary before you have sex. But get on the pill before you do have sex and have your BF tested for STD's, just as a precautionary.
*****************
Sex isn't going to bring on anything (other then disease and pregnancy) that wouldn't have happened normally. So I wouldn't be too concerned about that. Just go to the Dr anyway before hand and ask any questions you may have. I love Planned parenthood. They are all so informed and have everything you need right there.
2007-01-29 19:43:07 · answer #4 · answered by FaerieWhings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that if you are thinking of having sex that you should go and get on the pill wich in my state{and I am not sure what state you are in} But here you have got to have a pap before they will put you on the pill. But, if you are not ready for this pap test then use protection during sex.
2007-02-05 14:59:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what you feel comfortable with, do you have any other questions you would like to go over with a doctor? Birth control for instance? A pap smear, isn't a necessity, but feeling you have all the information you would like would be right for you.
2007-01-29 19:43:24 · answer #6 · answered by justa 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This seems to be a common belief among women, that they only need a check up after sex. It is really important to go because they are checking for cervical cancer and any other abnormal things that are not always necessarily caused by having sex.
Since you are 19 I would say go. There is no harm and it's not really anything to be fearful of. I would go ahead and go for the sake of knowing you are healthy...
2007-01-29 19:43:52 · answer #7 · answered by goldfish65398 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A pap smear is to test for cervical cancer. It's something you should have done once per year whether sexually active or not.
2007-01-29 19:44:07 · answer #8 · answered by TMH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A woman usually gets her first pap smear AFTER becoming sexually active.
2007-01-29 19:42:38 · answer #9 · answered by Blondie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Papsmears tell your cervical health. They are necessary whether you are sexually active or not. If you are not active, you don't have to worry about STDs, but there's still the possiblity of a bacterial infection (from hot tubs or pools).
2007-02-05 22:25:43 · answer #10 · answered by Leanne B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋