Updated: Jul 29, 2023
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.
