I'm 23. True love waits.
2007-09-23 06:05:37 · 7 answers · asked by Tristin S 3 in Health ➔ Women's Health
You should have a pap:
A) When you become sexually active
or
B) When you turn 18
True love waits, it's true. (:
2007-09-23 07:12:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nearly every "expert" out there recommends that you do have a Pap.....
"For effective cervical cancer screening, the American Cancer Society recommends all women have a Pap smear by the age of 21, or after they have been sexually active for three years."
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pap-smear/AN01635
"Cervical cancer screening should begin approximately three years after a woman begins having sexual intercourse, but no later than at 21 years old."
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/cervicalscreen
"Indirect evidence suggests most of the benefit can be obtained by beginning screening within 3 years of onset of sexual activity or age 21 (whichever comes first) and screening at least every 3 years. The USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) concludes that the benefits of screening substantially outweigh potential harms."
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/cervcan/cervcanrr.htm
"Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. With regular Pap smears, cervical cancer can be prevented in just about all cases."
http://cancer.about.com/od/cervicalcancerbasics/a/survivalrates.htm
2007-09-23 07:10:34 · answer #2 · answered by Lissacal 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The pap tests for the presence of cancerous cells. It's still important to have the checkup to make sure that everything is ok. Kudos to you for waiting.
2007-09-23 06:10:04 · answer #3 · answered by janeannpat 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Terribly sorry but yes you do have to have one. Pap smears can detect cancer. It's an important part of being a woman. Good Luck!
2007-09-23 06:18:13 · answer #4 · answered by Doctor Janes 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
YES.
I was 11 y/o when I had my first pap (Virgin till age 21).
It is for your HEALTH. I would get it done.
2007-09-23 06:27:11 · answer #5 · answered by Terri 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Probably not, but it can't hurt anything, and most health care providers would not believe you anyway. The cervical cancer being tested for is caused by the HPV virus. No sex, no HPV virus.
2007-09-23 06:40:51 · answer #6 · answered by XOUT 4 · 0⤊ 6⤋
If you are not sexually active I would say dont worry. Its very unlikely but it is possible
2007-09-23 09:31:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋