Do I need a Pap smear?
Every woman over 18 years who has ever had sexual contact should have regular Pap smears. This includes women who:
- are no longer sexually active
- have only had one partner
- are divorced or widowed
- have gone through menopause
- are lesbians
After you turn 70 years of age, your doctor may advise that you no longer need to have Pap smears if your previous tests were normal.
Do lesbians need Pap smears?
Yes, lesbians need Pap smears too. There is no evidence to show that HPV infection rates are lower in lesbians. Rates of cervical abnormalities for lesbians are also similar to heterosexual women.
HPV is spread through genital skin to skin contact, including female to female sex. Also, some lesbians may have had sex with men at some time in their lives, as may their partners.
Tips for making it easier to have a Pap smear:
- Find a lesbian-friendly health care provider
- Think about how you will answer questions about your sexuality
- Ask your partner or a friend to come to the appointment with you
You can also ask that your sexuality is not recorded unless it is relevant to your health care.
What if I've had a hysterectomy?
Talk to your doctor about what type of hysterectomy you had and whether you need to continue having Pap smears. Women still need regular Pap smears or vault smears (where a cell sample is taken from the top of the vagina) if they:
- still have a cervix
- have had a hysterectomy to treat for a gynaecological cancer
- have ever had a severe abnormality detected on a Pap smear
» More information about Pap smears for women who have had a hysterectomy
Women with disabilities
Women with disabilities often encounter barriers to cervical screening and don’t always receive the same level of preventative care. It is important that women with disabilities have Pap smears too!
The WOW clinic for women with disabilities, located in Shenton Park, provides Pap Smear clinics specifically for women with disabilities. To make an appointment, phone +61 8 9382 7141.
» Tips for Pap smears for women with a disability
Can I have a Pap smear during pregnancy?
Every woman’s needs are different during pregnancy, so we recommend that you discuss this with your doctor. Generally:- Pap smears can usually be undertaken up to at least 28 weeks.
- Pap smears have not been associated with increased rates of miscarriage.
- If you are due for a Pap smear during the pregnancy but do not have one, organise it for about 6–12 weeks after the baby is born.
More information:
» What is a Pap smear?
» Why are Pap smears important?
» Where to have a Pap smear