Common Myths About Pap Smears

Like many issues, there are some myths about pap smear testing. Important to remember is that myths are usually born from a lack of information or understanding about a subject. Myths are also started when people have fears about something.

Once you have had a pap smear you're not a virgin anymore.

This is simply not true. This myth assumes that any woman who doesn't have a hymen is not a virgin. However, loss of a women's virginity is not just about whether a woman still has a hymen. Losing your virginity involves sexual penetration. Whilst pap smear testing does involve penetration of the vagina, it is not a sexual procedure. If a woman who is a virgin has a pap smear, then she is still a virgin. Not until that woman experiences sexual penetration, (having something like a penis or dildo/vibrator placed in the vagina) will that woman lose her virginity.

A pap smear tests for HIV.

Pap smear testing does not test for the HIV virus. A pap smear test involves the testing of cells taken from the cervix. To test for HIV, a blood test must be taken. No pap smear test can detect the HIV virus.

A pap smear test can bring on a period.

Generally, pap smear testing does not cause bleeding. Sometimes though, spot bleeding, (a small amount of bleeding for a short period of time) can occur.

Only girls who sleep around need pap smears.

Whilst it is true that the more sexual partners a woman has, the more risk there is of her developing cervical cancer, NO woman can guarantee that she won't develop cervical cancer. Regular pap smear testing is the only way ANY woman can guarantee the early detection of cervical cancer. EVERY woman, regardless of her sexual history, should consider regular pap smear testing, (about once every two years).

If you are a virgin, you don't need a pap smear

Every woman should consider regular pap smear testing, including women who have never had a sexual experience. This is because cervical cancer can develop in any woman, regardless of her sexual history. It is advised that every woman be tested for cervical cancer once every two years, or within two years of first having sexual intercourse, which ever comes first.

Lesbians don't need pap smears

Lesbian and bisexual woman also need regular pap smear testing if they are to detect the early development of cervical cancer. Whilst it is true that cervical exposure to semen can be a factor in the development of cervical cancer, ALL women, regardless of their sexual preferences are at risk from developing cervical cancer. Regular pap smear testing is the only way to detect the early development of cervical cancer. It is advised that every woman be tested for cervical cancer once every two years.

 

HOME

If you would like to comment on our web site, or ask us a question, please email us. We are also interested in publishing articles, art work, stories, et cetera from women out here who have something to contribute to our web site. Contributors don't get paid for their input but they do get the thrill of being published on the world wide web.