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Sex and Pap Tests


Someone asked us:

Does having sex or the type of sex change the frequency of how often I should get a Pap Test done? (penis-vagina sex v. dildo-vagina sex v. nothing-in-vagina sex v. no sex at all) I’m 27.

While having unprotected vaginal sex can make you more susceptible to the kind of stuff Pap tests screen for, regular Pap tests are a good idea for everyone — regardless of whether or not they’re having sex, how much, or what kind of sex they’re having. It’s recommended that you get a Pap test every three years, starting when you’re 21. But you and your health care provider can talk about your health and sex life, to figure out whether you should have them more frequently.

Pap tests screen for pre-cancerous cells in your cervix. Why do pre-cancerous cells sometimes show up in your cervix in the first place, you ask? We know that certain high-risk types of HPV can cause infections that can lead to cervical cancer.

-Alex at PPFA

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Do I have to get a pap smear?

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Someone asked us:

Q. Once you become sexually active do you have to get a pap smear? What is a pap smear?

Hi there! Maybe you just had sex for the first time and you’re trying to figure out what that means for your health care routine. Maybe you heard about some changes to Pap recommendations recently, and you’re wondering if they affect you. Maybe you’re about to get your first pelvic exam and you’re not sure if a Pap test will be involved. Or maybe answer D, all of the above! Here are some facts about Pap tests (also sometimes called Pap smears).

Pap tests can find pre-cancerous cell changes inside your cervix — potential early signs of cervical cancer. During a Pap test, your health care provider uses a tiny spatula or brush to gently collect cells from your cervix. A Pap test is usually part of a regular pelvic exam.

The recommendation (from leading health authorities) is that women start getting routine Pap tests at age 21. After that, Pap tests can happen about every three years. Some women might need them more frequently — your health care provider can tell you how often you should have a Pap test.

Tagged: pap smearsexpelvic examyour healthyour body

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