Women's sexual health

Does a virgin need a pap smear?

Originally Published: December 22, 1995

          

 

Dear Alice,
Does a virgin need to have a pap smear? Is cervical cancer the only disease a pap smear detects? What are the means of contracting cervical cancer and any other possible diseases detected by the pap smear? -- New at this

 

Dear New at this, It is commonly recommended that women have their first gynecological exam by the time they're 18 or as soon as they become sexually active (note sexually active, not losing virginity). Routine pelvic examinations include both an internal and an external exam. Part of the internal exam consists of a pap smear. The pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. The smears do not actually detect disease, but identify inflammation and infection in the cervical area that may be evidence of abnormalities in the cervical cells. Younger women may be more vulnerable to infection since the surface of their cervixes contain relatively immature, less resistant cells, emphasizing the importance of annual gynecological exams for young women.

The pap smear entails the provider using a cotton-tipped swab or other similar long-stemmed instrument to collect a sample of the cells in the cervix. Some women feel a slight cramping when their cervix is touched. The collected cells are mounted on a slide and sent to a lab, where it will be examined by a technician. The pap smear does not test for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal infections or other types of gynecological problems.

Most women get routine pelvic exams including pap smears annually. For an appointment at Columbia in Primary Care Medical Services, call 4-2284. For more information on annual exams, see Alice's previous answer to Gynecologist for the first time.

Alice

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