My friend is 26 years of age and she is a virgin who has never had a pap smear done before. She has had two doctors tell her that because she is still a virgin that there is no need for her to have a smear performed on her. However, I do not agree with the doctors. I think that my friend should have one done. Does anyone here feel that the doctors may be right? And serious answers only please. I don't have time for sarcasm.
2007-12-17 04:01:08 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
she can have one. but it is pointless and a waste of money. pap smears are for sexually active people. and they suck, so tell her she doesnt want one. listen to the doctors. they know best.
2007-12-17 04:04:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anna 3 · 6⤊ 6⤋
She can have a pap smear. However, the reason the doctors don't think there is a need is that many cervical cancers are caused by a sexually transmitted virus. If she is not sexually active there is not a chance of her catching this virus, and the need for regular pap smears is greatly reduced.
2007-12-18 10:36:16 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
26 and never had a pap test! Wow, I don't know what her doctors are thinking but they obviously don't care too much about her preventative health.
In Nova Scotia, Canada, we go by accepted National guidelines which recommend after first sexual intercourse or when you reach 21 years old...which ever comes first. Cervical cancer can result from things not necessarily related to HPV...although it is a significant risk factor.
The American Cancer Society lists these following risk factors for Cervical Cancer: HPV, AIDS, smoking, diet, hormonal contraception, chlamydia, genetics, etc. So, not all of these factors require that you be sexually active.
Now, if you're in the US, I think your Health Care system is a bit different in that you may have to pay for your tests...which would be a barrier for some. here in Canada, you do not need to pay which means access is much easier.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that everyone woman has a responsibility to take care of herself so it is up to you to make sure you get a pap test...physicians do not always give the best answer.
2007-12-17 04:28:22 · answer #3 · answered by PAWS 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Pap smears are generally done once somone is sexually active and they also test for stds. The older you get though it is important to make sure you are healthy down there no matter if you are a virgin or not. You also have to get it done if you want to go on birth control either way its her choice but she should make an appointment and just ask for a annual checkup.
2007-12-17 04:07:12 · answer #4 · answered by waterbaby2g 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes she can have them , however she is going to struggle a little bit since she is not used to have her vagina stretch. In some other countries the pap smear is recommended until you started to be sexually active, but in this country they have pap smear at very young age because some girls start to have sexual relations at young age. keep in mind that the point of the pap smear is to EARLY detect any abnormal cells in your body ,abnormal cells dont wait until you have intimate relationship to reproduce.
Good luck
2007-12-17 04:11:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think the doctors know what they are talking about. How much school have you had? Do you think the doctors might, just maybe, know something you don't? I would go with what the doctors say. Pap smears check for cervical cancer. Most cervical cancer is caused by the HPV which you get from having sex. No sex, no HPV, no cervical cancer.
2007-12-17 04:06:26 · answer #6 · answered by Pam H 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Yes she should still have one done, regardless of whether she is sexually active or not. Women can still get bacterial infections and yeast infections, and the pap tests for cells on the cervix going out of whack which can happen if you don't have sex....so I say she should get one done. Cervical cancer and polyps can be on anyone sexually active or not the only way to find out is to get a pap...not sure why those dr's would tell her no, definitely not a good idea not to get one.
2007-12-17 04:05:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Not all cervical cancers are caused by the HPV virus. She should still have a pap smear done.
2007-12-17 04:12:24 · answer #8 · answered by Sharon M 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The doctors are wrong! Pap smears are not for women who are sexually active, they test for other things, like cancer...
2007-12-17 04:08:35 · answer #9 · answered by KatiesMommy 3 · 3⤊ 3⤋
You should have your first Pap smear when you start having sex or by age 18.
2007-12-17 04:16:51 · answer #10 · answered by Karin H 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Of course she should have one. I think it's strange for her doctor to say that. I had one when I was still a virgin. My sister did too, and she had pre-cancerous cells on her cervix, so there is a need to get one every year regardless of whether she is sexually active or not.
2007-12-17 04:05:06 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 3⤋