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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Female -- Ob/Gyn Visits > Q&A
Posted on: 02/23/2009
Question
I had my first pap smear when I was 21, but have not had one since. Because of my religious beliefs and the fact that I am not yet married, I have not had pre-marital sex. I'm now 29, still not sexually active - should I be getting regular pap smears right now? I tried to find some guidelines online, but everything I found assumes that women are sexually active after 18 or 21 - not taking into account those of us who "wait" for marriage to be sexually active.
Answer
The only purpose of a pap test is to screen for cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV, which is sexually transmitted, so I do not think you have any reason to get a pap test done. However, an annual physical is a good thing and during the physical, talk to your doctor about any considerations.