Pap tests and STD testing

A few friends have recently had health scares with abnormal pap test results, so this topic has been on my mind.

According to this page (which defines the term "pap smear", explains why it is done, explains the risks, explains how the test is done, and discusses possible test results), women should have their first Pap test approximately 3 years after first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first. This page on the same site says a woman should get a pap test "no later than 3 years" after becoming sexually active. Between ages 21-29, women should have a pap test every one-three years depending on their circumstances and health.

Your pregnant daughter should have a pap test done as part of her prenatal care so that any infections can be addressed before she gives birth. If any of your other daughters have been sexually active for three years but are not yet 21, see that they get a pap smear and STD testing too.

While a pap test may test for a few STDs, it also may not run those tests and it can not test for several other types of STDs. So sexually active men and women of all ages should be tested for STDs. Talk to your doctor about how often testing should be done. See this page for some details about STD testing. If you don't have insurance, check with your public health clinic to see what STD testing they offer and whether they offer pap tests.