Should women who are virgins have cervical smears?
I've never had sexual intercourse - am I at risk of developing cervical cancer?
If you've never had sexual intercourse, you are at low risk, but not at no risk, of developing cervical cancer. It is still not entirely clear what causes abnormalities to develop. Often, it is because a virus has infected the cervix. This virus is called human papilloma virus (HPV) and is passed on during sexual intercourse.
The virus can be passed on in other forms of sexual activity apart from full intercourse. This applies to both heterosexual women and lesbians.
I've never had sexual intercourse - wouldn't a smear test hurt?
If you've never had sexual intercourse, but you want to have a smear test, you should tell the doctor or nurse taking the smear that you have never had intercourse. This will let them choose the right size of instrument (speculum). Similarly, if you've never used tampons, it would be helpful to tell the person taking your smear.
As with any examination, you are in control and can say 'stop' at any time.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical smear tests are carried out as part of a national NHS cervical screening programme, which is organised in Wales by Cervical Screening Wales.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It detects possible abnormalities or changes in the cells, which may develop into cervical cancer if they are not treated. The type of cervical cancer that the cervical screening programme is designed to prevent is called squamous carcinoma of the cervix.
Are there any other types of cervical cancer?
As well as squamous carcinoma of the cervix, there is another type called adenocarcinoma of the cervix. This type of cervical cancer can happen in any woman, including virgins, and it is becoming more common.
The cervical smear test is not designed to prevent adenocarcinoma, but it is sometimes possible to detect abnormalities which might lead to adenocarcinoma on a smear test. Because of this, some women who are virgins may consider the test worthwhile.
Almost all abnormalities detected by screening are successfully treated. It is estimated that screening prevents the around 3900 cases of, and over 1000 deaths from, cervical cancer in the UK each year.
Would a smear test help if I had symptoms?
The abnormalities that cervical screening can detect do not cause any symptoms. If you have irregular or unusual bleeding or a smelly vaginal discharge, you should tell your GP, whether or not you have had a cervical smear test.
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