Do I need a smear if I'm a virgin and have had the cervical cancer injection?

[Rainbow Dash]

So, I had a letter on Friday from my GP saying I need a smear. I was a little confused as I'm only 20 and thought you had to be 25 to have your first smear. After googling it I realised you should be 20 in Wales and Scotland. It's 25 in England.

Thing is I'm a virgin so I obviously haven't got STDs. I've also had the cervical cancer injections so the chance of me getting cervical cancer is very, very, very slim.

I just think it's a waste time

So, do I need one?

[ReluctantPegasister]

Here it's 18 or so... However, my GP told me that until I become sexually active, one was not needed, so I don't really know what to tell you.

[Rainbow Dash]

Thanks anyway I may just ask my GP myself. I can't have one right now anyway as I have a period

[Aletheia*]

In the US, it's whenever you become sexually active or you turn 21...whichever one comes first. I started getting pap smears when I was 16, since I was going on birth control and I wanted to be safe about it.

There isn't anything to fret about, and the sooner you start them, the better. They don't only check for STD's and such, but they also make sure everything is in working order, and to check if you have any bacterial infections down there (no worries, bacterial infections are cleared up with antibiotics. I've had two).

[TheBabyEater]

Here it was 18, or so I was told. Yeah, just talk to the doctor about it. No sense wasting money if you don't need it. But if they insist, it's not that bad and only takes a few minutes.

[Rainbow Dash]

Thanks

Weird question, if I do need one should I shave -down there- beforehand?

[Kate*]

My doctor told me this too, here it's 21 or when you become sexually active which ever comes first. I still haven't done it either, it freaks me out.

[Angel]

Originally Posted by Mudkip

Thanks

Weird question, if I do need one should I shave -down there- beforehand?

You don't have to. I'm pretty sure the gynecologist has seen lots so a little hair isn't going to be too much of a bother.

[Aletheia*]

Originally Posted by Angel

You don't have to. I'm pretty sure the gynecologist has seen lots so a little hair isn't going to be too much of a bother.

I agree. The doctor has seen worse than just a little bit of hair, down there, so don't worry too much about it. Also, avoid feminine deodorants as well, as the doctor wouldn't recommend it.

[Rainbow Dash]

Good good Thanks