HPV Vaccine and Pap Smears

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:

Although Gardasil protects against two types of HPV that cause 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, there are other strains that can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine will not protect you against these other strains.

Some women may not be fully protected by the vaccine, especially those with a weakened immune system.

Gardasil requires a series of three shots given over a six month period. Some women may not finish the series, or may get them at the wrong time, which may cause them not to be fully protected.

Women may have already been infected with HPV prior to getting the vaccine.

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:

1. "Sexually Transmitted Diseases." HPV and HPV Vaccine - Information for Healthcare Providers. Aug 2006. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 14 Nov 2006.
   
2. 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