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Women's Health

Smear test

08/18/2008

Question:

I`m 26 and I slept with my boyfriend few times a month for about a year, we always have protection. Do I still need to have a smear test? ...Because I am a bit scared...

Answer:

All women over the age of 18, or at the onset of sexual activity if before age 18, should have a Pap smear. We recommend every year, but if you have three normal Pap smears in three consecutive years, your health care provider may suggest that you could have it every three years, instead of every year.

So, if you have never had a Pap smear, and it sounds like you haven't, I strongly recommend that you do. If you are scared, please take a friend or someone to be with you during the procedure--ideally someone who has had Pap smears and isn't afraid. In addition, tell the provider that it is your first, and that you are afraid.  The provider then should be very careful and tell you everything that is happening.

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Response by:

The Ohio State University Linda A Bernhard, PhD, RN
Associate Professor
Adult Health and Illness
College of Nursing
The Ohio State University
Linda A Bernhard, PhD, RN