How old do you have to be to get a smear teast? I am 17 but have slept with 4 people.?

Question

I am a bit of a hypocondriac so I thought that maybe that they make exceptions for teenagers who have sex at a younger age, or do I have to wait till I am like 25?

Answer 1

Hi honey, I'm a GP nurse from Coventry, and am presuming you're from the UK? The legislation at the moment is that you will receive a letter just before you hit 25, inviting you for a smear test, then you will be offered them every 3 years following. Don't bother going to your GP for one before this, the labs are very strict and wouldn't even look at it, sorry. Also smear tests don't pick up any STD's apart from HPV (which is linked to cervical cancer), so what I suggest instead is that you pop along to see your practice nurse and request a sexual heath screening. She'll then take 2 vaginal swabs, one for chlamydia, and one for everything else barring HIV (which you need a blood test for). Above all though, if you're planning on carrying on being so sexually active BE SAFE and always use a condom! Hope this helps! xxx

Answer 2

Get one done!

A pap smear is usually recommend for all women when they turn 18 years old, or women who have become sexually active before then.

I got my first pap smear at the age of 17 and I was diagnosed with HPV. Turns out I had pre-cancerous cells on my cervix which eventually turned into cervical cancer.

Since you have been sexually active (especially with more than one person) I would HIGHLY recommend you get a pap smear done.

Answer 3

You can get one as soon as you become sexually active. They do this because the younger you are, and start having sex, the more likely you can get Cervical Cancer or HPV. You should also be testing for STDs every 6 months. .

Answer 4

I had sex at a "young" age but didn't have my first smear until I was about 20. I've only ever had 1. Speak to your doctor/nurse if you are worried about anything, or the next time you go just as them, you know as a general enquiry. They won't mind. x

Answer 5

You should be having them if you are sexually active. Its unlikely that you will have cervical cancer at 17 but not totally out of the question. I had my first one at 17, but I was under the care of a gynaecologist anyway.
Speak to your GP and get yourself an appointment with the practice nurse to have one done.

Answer 6

I wouldn't let it worry ya too much - you're unlikely to have cancer, but i see no reason why they wouldn't give you a smear - esp considering the circumstances - go to see your gp or just make an appointment with the nurse at your surgery to have one done. And don't worry about gettin it done - doesn't hurt or nothing! Good luck xxx

Answer 7

some say 20, some say 25. You'll get a letter from your doc.

Wouldn't worry too much, the worst thing to do is avoid going because then they can't pick up any problems.

Answer 8

As soon as you are sexually active, you can ask your G.P. for a smear test. If you don,t feel comfortable with that, then you can go to the "Well Woman" clinic.Go soon, just to put your mind at rest!

Answer 9

You should have a smear EVERY year after becoming sexually active.

It's not a disgusting experience, just a little weird at first.

Just ask your GP or go to your local well woman clinic (your GP will know where and when it is).

Answer 10

If you want some advice, your 17 and slept with 4 people, i think you need to slow down a bit, otherwise it wont just be a smear your visiting the Doctor for!!!!!!!!!

But you can get a smear done if the Doc thinks you need too, as soon as your sexually active.

4 people at 17, my god!!!