Smear Tests

[Aubergine]

I've just turned 25 and am waiting for the letter that invites me to a smear test to come through the door. Thing is, I'm a virgin and I've never had sexual contact of any kind. Do I still need to attend? I'm aware that most cervical cancer is caused by the HPV and, as there's no chance of me having been infected, am wondering if it's necessary.

Would the GP receptionist know if I phoned and asked (when my letter comes through)?

I'd rather avoid the whole thing if at all possible, but know that it's important to be screened if there's any risk of it.

[effervescence]

You're right, most cervical cancer is linked to HPV, but not all. It's still important for you to go. I know they are not the most exciting thing in the world but honestly, it's worth putting up with 5 minutes of discomfort for the potential live-saving benefit. If you like you can let the nurse/doctor know it's your first smear and you're a bit nervous and they can talk you through it.

[happiness...its all a lie]

I had my first one recently and you should go, talk to the nurse when your there. A friend of mine isnt sexually active either but she was advised to go and that was her second so i think its worthwhile it just makes sure everything is clear!

[random.swirls]

Hum I was a virgin at 25 so didn't go till a while after i had sex for the first time.

On my letter there was a bit which you could send back if you didnt want a smear test and one of the tickboxes for not going is if you are not yet sexually active.

This is what the nhs says about it http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/964.aspx...CategoryID=121

[Animad]

If you're not yet sexually active you don't need to have one. The benefits however are that not only do they do a smear of your cervix but to get to that bit they see all the anatomy of your vagina and your cervix so can tell if somethings not right.

You can also get cervical cancer which isn't due to HPV though it is not as common.

[Buttercup.]

In the US it is reccommended that you have one after becoming sexually active or when you turn 21 whether or not you are sexually active. Cervical cancer is not only from sexual activity. Although it is unlikely that you would have cervical cancer being a virgin, there are other risk factors in developing it, like family history and even things like smoking. Even if you had cancer in another part of your body and didn't realize it, if it metastizes it can travel in your blood to other organs in your body causing cancer.

It's up to you, really. I mean, it can't hurt, and if something ended up being wrong, it would be best to catch it sooner rather than later. If your periods are really irregular or if you have a lot of spotting or pain in your pelvic area it would be good to check things out, but if things seem normal, I wouldn't worry about it!

[PolkaDot.]

It's a good idea to have one, it will make things much easier if you have any issues in the future. It's really not that bad! I promise :)

[Stellata]

I've never been sexually active, and have never needed one for that reason - my GP verifies this.