If you never get a Pap smear (now typically an HPV/Cervical Screening Test), you miss the chance to detect Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and abnormal cell changes on your cervix, significantly increasing your risk of developing advanced cervical cancer, as most cancers arise in those not screened or under-screened, even though the condition develops slowly over years. Regular screening is crucial for preventing this cancer, as it finds HPV before cells become cancerous, allowing for timely intervention.
What happens if you never get a Pap smear? Since a Pap is the gold standard for detecting cell changes that could lead to cancer, not ever getting a Pap test means you could have cervical cancer and not know it. This could lead to cancer progressing and causing serious or life-threatening complications.
The 5 key warning signs of cervical cancer are unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause), abnormal vaginal discharge (foul-smelling, watery, or bloody), pain during intercourse, persistent pelvic pain, and changes in menstrual bleeding (heavier/longer periods). These symptoms can also signal other conditions, so it's crucial to see a doctor if you experience them for a proper diagnosis.
At-home Pap smear alternative
This test uses a device called the Teal Wand to collect a vaginal sample. Like the clinic-based self-collection tests, the Teal Health test examines cells from the vagina — not directly from the cervix, as happens with a Pap smear.
Risks of getting a Pap test
There are many reasons people don't get screened for cervical cancer, such as lack of information, access, and trust in medical institutions, as well as fear of the Pap smear exam itself and abnormal results.
HSIL changes seen on a Pap test can be CIN 2, CIN2/3, or CIN 3.
On March 3, 2025, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP) introduced human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary test for cervical screening, replacing cytology (Pap tests or Pap smears). Compared to the Pap test, the HPV test is better at detecting cancer and pre-cancer and reduces false negatives.
Before a Pap smear, also called a Pap test, you may be asked to: Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap test. These may wash away or hide concerning cells. Try not to schedule a Pap test during your menstrual period.
HPV testing has introduced the possibility of new cervical screening approaches that are likely to be more acceptable to older women, as sampling from the cervix is not necessary and therefore samples can be collected without a speculum.
Sexton says the most common cervical cancer symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Although women often think bleeding is normal, it's important to see your doctor if you experience: Bleeding between menstrual periods. Heavier menstrual periods.
Main symptoms of womb cancer can include:
Main symptoms of vaginal cancer
With three key strategies and clear 2030 targets—an increase of HPV vaccination to 90%, twice-lifetime cervical screening to 70%, and treatment of pre-invasive lesions and invasive cancer to 90% (also known as the 90-70-90 targets)—this global call-to-action provides a roadmap to eliminate cervical cancer.
You can also stop an examination you no longer want to continue, such as a Pap smear or STI screening. Tell your care provider to stop or slow down; request a five-minute break; or reschedule the exam for another day. If a patient feels coerced into agreeing to a procedure, it's not true consent.
If you're not sexually active until 25, you don't need to start having Pap tests until you're 28. Once you've started having Pap tests, you should continue having them even after you've been through menopause and until you're at least 69 years old. Some women may feel they don't need Pap tests.
Approved by the FDA in mid-2024, the self-swab test was made possible by recent technological advances in HPV screening. The new technology can zero in on cells collected from the vaginal wall instead of just the cervix, sparing women much of the discomfort of a traditional Pap test during a pelvic exam, says Dr.
Causes of an Abnormal Pap Smear
Some of those include: Unusual cellular changes in the cervix. Cells containing HPV. Signs of a sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea or sexually transmitted disease like herpes.
However, the Pap smear test used to look for abnormal cells in the cervix, while the cervical screening test looks for HPV infection. The new test for HPV can identify women who could be at risk of cervical cancer earlier than the Pap test could.
Cervix self-screening looks for the virus, HPV, that causes changes to cells on the cervix. During cervix self-screening, you take your own sample from your vagina using a swab. The choice is yours.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection. More than 90 percent of sexually active men and 80 percent of sexually active women will be infected with HPV in their lifetime.
In 2017, the Pap test (commonly referred to as the Pap smear test) was replaced with the Cervical Screening Test. The Cervical Screening Test is a better test that can detect the risk of developing cervical cancer a lot earlier than the Pap test did.
A pap smear is a lab test, while a pelvic exam is a physical examination. A pap smear is routinely only done during well-woman visits, while a pelvic exam is done in other circumstances – like pregnancy or when complaining of pain.
The most common reason for abnormal Pap smear results is HPV. HPV is the leading risk factor for cervical dysplasia, which can develop into cervical cancer. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent high-risk HPV infections. The highest rates of HPV infections occur in adolescents and young adults.
LLETZ stands for large loop excision of the transformation zone. It's also known as loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP) or loop diathermy. This is the most common treatment for abnormal cervical cells. Your colposcopist uses a thin wire loop to remove the transformation zone of the cervix.