Why are Pap smears not recommended under 21?

Most women are exposed to HPV in the course of normal sexual activity if they’ve had more than one sexual partner. The reason we don’t do Pap tests before age 21 is because the likelihood of someone that young getting cervical cancer is very low. After age 65, the likelihood of having an abnormal Pap test also is low.

Why did they change the Pap smear age?

The reason the age has changed from 18 to 25 for your first screening is that most women under the age of 25 will have been vaccinated for HPV. In addition, cervical cancer in women under 25 is rare. Having a test for HPV every five years offers the best chance of preventing cervical cancer.

What is the youngest age to get a Pap smear?

The Pap smear. Gynecologists recommend a Pap smear starting at age 21, and then every 3 years for women in their 20s. In this test, the doctor gently scrapes cells from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. The sample is checked in a lab for cell changes and cervical cancer.

Can I get a Pap smear at 18?

Usually health care providers recommend that women have a Pap smear annually beginning at age 18 or within six months of first sexual intercourse. An abnormal Pap smear result may indicate an infection, a precancerous condition or cancer. However, a Pap smear is just a screening; it is not 100\% accurate.

Can a 20 year old get a Pap smear?

Women should start Pap smear screening at age 21. Between the ages of 21-29, women whose Pap smears are normal only need it repeated every three years. Women ages 30 and over should have testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) with their Pap smear.

Why can’t you get a Pap smear before 25?

Read about the changes to cervical screening. The starting age changed to 25 because the evidence shows that: Cervical cancer is rare in women younger than 25. Most young women are protected against the main cancer-causing types of HPV through the HPV vaccine.

What has replaced Pap smear?

The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test as the method of cervical screening. The new test looks for HPV, an infection that can cause cells in the cervix to change and become abnormal. As a result of HPV infection that doesn’t clear up, these cell changes can occasionally develop into cervical cancer.

Should a 17 year old have a Pap smear?

Who Should Get a Pap Smear? Teen girls don’t need to get Pap smears unless their doctors think something’s wrong. Once a girl turns 21, she should start getting regular Pap smears as a way to monitor her health. Women in their 20s with normal Pap smear results should have the test every 3 years.

Does a Pap smear hurt if you are a virgin?

The pelvic examination will not hurt. Many women describe the experience as a sensation of crowding or fullness in the vagina; however, there should be no pain.

Do I need cervical screening if I’m a virgin?

Yes. Doctors recommend routine cervical cancer screening, regardless of your sexual history. Tests used to screen for cervical cancer include the Pap test and the HPV test.