Fuck Yeah Vulvas!

Do I have to get a pap smear?

plannedparenthood:

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.