First Pap Smear

I was seeing one of my favorite people this morning, a 17 year old high school senior who asked me “when should I have my first Pap smear?”  This is an area of evolving understanding.  On my website there is some information about Cervical Cancer vaccine that discusses some of this BUT… What we understand now is that cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, that vaccine can prevent 80% of these transmitted viruses but not all.  We still need annual pap smears IF we are sexually active.  It is recommended to start pap smear testing on all women within 3 years of the beginning of intercourse or by age 21.  Condoms are still recommended to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STI) and screening for these other infections is still recommended along with a breast and pelvic exam yearly.  Most teenagers do not need pap smears unless they are sexually active before age 16, but they do need check-ups for birth control and STI screening if they are sexually active.  Good gynecologic care will preserve fertility and good health, it is well worth it.