I've read that cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus. So...if you've never had sex then you shouldn't need to have pap smears, right? I'm having a check-up Monday & would love to be able to tell the dr to just skip the pap smear. I've had a few in the past & find them very uncomfortable.

HPV is the only KNOWN cause of cervical cancer. That does not mean it is the only cause. Just like other cancers, there can be other contributing factors like smoking, diet, exercise, overall health, and genetics. A pap smear is a small price to pay in order to avoid cancer and chemo/radiation. I am sure that is much less comfortable.

Also, if you have EVER had sex, even if your paps were normal after that, you could have HPV. It can be transmitted even if you use protection and it doesn't have any symptoms. It can even live in your system for years before it starts causing changes in your cervix.

If you are older than I would get one anyway. But if it happens to come back abnormal I would be suspicious and would get another pap in 3 months and would not get a coplocopy right away (like your doctor will probably want).

I wish I had your problem!!

Take Care.

Cats, How old are you & why are you having an appt? If
you're at a GYN. then we all agree, it's uncomfortable!
Not the pap but the position. If you're very young &
just having a general physical, I might ? a pap. Hate
to bring this up, but you can get diseases from just
oral sex. Exams are part of life. Be strong.

Ok, you are both right, there are worse things in life than a few moments of discomfort. I'll go ahead & have it done. Thanks for your replies.

Oh Murphy, sorry, I didn't see your post until just now. Well, I'm in my early 40s, I know it sounds kind of freaky that I haven't had sex, I just believe in waiting till marriage & I've never been married. No I've never had oral sex either. Just was going for a general checkup since I haven't had one in a couple years.

But I disagree that it's the just the position that's uncomfortable...it's that big clamp thing that they stick in there...sometimes that really hurts!! But you're right I should be strong & not be such a baby http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks for your reply.

Cats, Good for you. I'm proud to talk to a women that
knows what she wants. You're not freaky at all for
waiting till marriage. It's quite fashionable today & I
believe there's too much sex stuff on TV, magazines, &
good ole' basic talk. Even the Nuns have paps though.
I'd think every other year would be enough unless the
family has some history. I'm small inside & always
tighten up. I remind the doc to use a smaller speculam
& `warm it' first. If they want us back in, we need to
feel good about it. One sz. doesn't fit all. I Know!

I agree that the speculum is uncomfortable. You may need to remind your doc that you aren't sexually active. They do have smaller ones and they use them on me for paps. Unfortunately, they have to use bigger ones for colpos and even bigger ones for LEEPs. It also really does help to breathe and try not to tense up. I also think the feeling of having the cervix swabbed is slightly uncomfortable. And, I admire your commitment to your virtues!