I'm 18 and I can't get a Pap smear until I'm 21?

Question

I went to the gyno to get a Pap smear but they told me I have to be 21 to get it so they did something else to check for stds. I don't know what the difference is between her testing me for stds or getting a Pap smear besides checking for cervical cancer.

Answer

I think the guidelines are that you don't need to get a pap until 21 unless you have a family history of cervical cancer. Your insurance probably won't cover it until then which might be why your doctor won't do it.

Answer

I've been getting paps since I was 16.

Answer

If you're sexually active you should have a pap.. but they can check for stds w a urine sample usually

Answer

CDC guideline say age of 21 or 3 years after you become sexually active. Most insurance won't pay for it. Kinda like you don't get mammograms until age 40. The cancer risk just isn't there

Answer

I'm 18 and been getting a Pap smear since I was 16 turning 17.. I never heard of that before ..

Answer

I am in California, I've been getting Pap smears here since I was 17 here. So time to find another doctor!

Answer

You can still get a pelvic exam.

Answer

It's normal. I didn't get my first til I was 21. And I had already been sexually active for 6 years before that which my doctor knew. I did get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia at every appointment though

Answer

It's used to be 16... and then it was 18. Now they have said it's 21 unless you are sexually active. I didn't get paps until I was 19, when I was sexually active. And I had already been on birth control for 3 years at that point.

Answer

I've had paps since I was 14. But when I was 18 I got questioned a lot as to why I had them so much so young. She then told me rules had changed and it's now recommend at 21. I'm turning 24 this year and I'm due for another pap this year or next. 
    I wouldn't worry about it, you're being checked for stds, and as long as you don't have a reason to be at risk for cervical cancer, no need to have a pap.

I'm 18 and I can't get a Pap smear until I'm 21?

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