Question: HPV Vaccine and Pap Smears
I recently received the HPV vaccine. Do I still need to get a regular Pap smear?
Answer: Regular Pap smears are essential for women who have had the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is not intended to replace the Pap smear, but to help prevent HPV, the virus known to cause cervical cancer.
There are several reasons why women still need to have regular Pap smears:
Why Women Need a Pap Smear
The Pap smear is a highly effective screening tool for women. It can detect abnormal cervical changes long before they become cancerous.Frequency of Pap smears depends on several factors, such as age, current HPV status, and the result of the last Pap smear.
Current cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend that women begin having regular Pap smears about three years after having first sexual intercourse, or by age 21. See current cervical cancer screening guidelines.
Keep in mind that yearly pelvic exams are recommended, even if you do not get a Pap smear every year.
References:
- "Sexually Transmitted Diseases." HPV and HPV Vaccine - Information for Healthcare Providers. Aug 2006. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 14 Nov 2006.
- Killackey, MD, FACOG, FACS, Maureen. "New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines:." Healthy Women. June 2005. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed 27 Nov 2006.More Cancer Q&A

