Who needs to get a pap test?
Updated: Mar 23, 2021
A pap test looks for abnormal cells in the cervix, meaning only individuals with a cervix should be getting a pap test. Individuals assigned the female sex at birth fall into this category.
If you have a cervix and are currently sexually active (or have been in the past) and are at least 21 years old, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends that you get a Pap test every 3 years. This includes women engaging in either/ both heterosexual and same-sex relationships.
It is important to note that women should still get a pap test even if they:
feel healthy and have no symptoms
are no longer sexually active
have only had 1 sexual partner
have been through menopause
have no family history of cervical cancer
have received the HPV vaccine
Find out here on how to access gynecological care near you.
References
Cervical Screening. Cancer Care Ontario. (2020, accessed August 18, 2020).
Retrieved from: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/cervical/screening
Lees BF, Erickson BK, Huh WK. Cervical cancer screening: evidence behind the guidelines. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; 214: 438–443.