Sex life on pause? Or never started at all? Whether it’s been years since your last partner or you’ve never had penetrative sex, it’s normal to wonder if you really need to keep up with Pap smears. Spoiler alert: You probably do.
Let’s break it all down — what Pap smears actually screen for, how your sexual history fits in (or doesn’t), and why skipping your smear might not be the best move for your health.
What is a Pap smear, exactly?
A Pap smear (also called a cervical cancer screening test) checks for cell changes in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. It’s quick, usually painless (more on that later), and can catch abnormalities before they become a bigger deal.
In the U.S., cervical screening guidelines recommend that most women and people with a cervix start getting regular Pap tests from age 21 — no matter their sex life status. Yep, even if you’ve never had penetrative sex.
The main thing Pap smears are looking for? Signs of HPV (human papillomavirus), which is the most common cause of cervical cancer.
Do I need a smear if I have never had sex?
Short answer: Yes. If you've never had sex, you might assume Pap smears aren’t necessary — but the answer depends on what “never had sex” means for you.
Pap smears are designed to catch changes in the cells of the cervix, which are often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is mainly passed through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as skin-to-skin genital contact. So if you’ve never been sexually active in any form — including genital touching or oral sex — your risk of HPV is very low.
However, having a low risk doesn’t mean no risk. HPV is incredibly common, and while it's mostly spread through sexual contact, it can also (rarely) be transmitted through shared objects like sex toys or hands. There have even been isolated cases where the mode of transmission wasn’t clear. Because of that, most healthcare providers still recommend routine Pap smears for everyone with a cervix starting at age 21, regardless of sexual history — especially in places like the U.S., where that’s the national guideline. As OB/GYN Dr. Caledonia Buckheit explains, “Although very rare, there are non HPV mediated cervical cancers (such as certain rare adenocarcinomas) that would be picked up on a Pap smear.”
If you’re unsure what’s right for you, it’s worth having an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your personal risk and talk through whether cervical screening is needed at this stage in your life.
But I haven’t had sex in years — do I still need one?
Still yes. HPV can stay dormant in the body for years. Just because you’re not currently sexually active doesn’t mean the virus can’t show up on a test or that cell changes can’t happen.
Cervical changes caused by HPV can take years to develop. That’s why screening regularly matters — it’s about prevention.
Think of it like going to the dentist, even if you haven’t eaten sugar in months. You're staying ahead of any issues.
When are Pap smears no longer needed?
Pap smears aren’t a forever thing. Most people with a cervix can stop routine cervical screening after the age of 65, as long as they’ve had consistent normal results for the past 10 years. That means no abnormal cells, no signs of HPV, and no gaps in your screening history. If everything looks good and there’s no ongoing risk, your provider may give you the all-clear to stop.
Another situation where Pap smears might no longer be necessary is after a total hysterectomy — but only if the surgery removed the cervix and was done for non-cancerous reasons. If the hysterectomy was related to cancer or precancerous cells, screening may still be recommended for several years afterward.
It’s also worth knowing that many older adults fall through the cracks when it comes to cervical screening. According to CDC research, a lot of people over 65 aren’t getting tested when they actually still need to — which can lead to cervical cancer being diagnosed at a later stage.
So while you may eventually age out of Pap smears, it’s not something to assume or self-assess. Always check in with your healthcare provider to confirm whether it’s time to stop or keep going.
How often do you need a Pap smear?
How often you need a Pap smear depends on your age, health history, and the type of testing your provider uses. In the U.S., most people with a cervix are advised to start screening at age 21. From 21 to 29, the typical recommendation is a Pap smear every 3 years, assuming results are normal. Once you turn 30, you may be offered the option of co-testing — that’s a Pap smear combined with an HPV test — which can be done every 5 years if everything looks clear.
If you’ve had abnormal results in the past, are immunocompromised, or have a history of cervical issues, you might need to be screened more frequently. The same goes for people living with HIV or anyone who has had previous treatment for cervical precancer or cancer.
Wherever you live, the best way to know what’s right for you is to follow national guidelines and talk to your healthcare provider. They’ll look at your age, history, and test results to create a screening plan that keeps you safe.
How long do you need to abstain from sex before a Pap smear?
It’s best to avoid vaginal sex for 24 to 48 hours before your Pap smear. That includes anything that involves penetration — whether it’s with a partner, a toy, or even internal lubricants. The reason? Sexual activity can affect the accuracy of your results. Semen, lube, or even just the friction from sex can disrupt the cells on your cervix or interfere with the sample your provider is trying to collect.
You’ll also want to skip things like douching, using vaginal creams, or inserting tampons in the lead-up to your test. Keeping the vaginal area undisturbed helps your provider get a clear and reliable sample, which means fewer false results and less chance of needing a repeat test.
If you’re unsure whether something you did might affect your smear, it’s always okay to check in with your provider. And if you’ve already had sex within that 48-hour window, it might be worth rescheduling to make sure your results are as accurate as possible. Dr. Buckheit explains, “Although an undisturbed cervix might be ideal, don’t skip out on your scheduled screening because of something like recent intercourse or being on your period — just tell your provider and they will do what they can to optimize the sample. It’s better to get screening on schedule than to miss out on appropriate testing for something that may or may not have had a significant impact on your results.”
Does a Pap smear hurt if you haven't had sex?
If you haven’t had sex — especially penetrative sex — it’s completely normal to feel nervous about whether a Pap smear will hurt. The experience can vary from person to person, but for many, it’s more uncomfortable than painful. That said, if your vaginal muscles are tense or if you're anxious, it can make the exam feel more intense.
For someone who hasn’t experienced vaginal penetration, the insertion of the speculum — a tool used to gently open the vaginal walls so the cervix can be seen — may feel unfamiliar or a bit uncomfortable. But it shouldn’t be painful. A good provider will take their time, explain each step, and can use a smaller speculum or extra lubrication to help the process go more smoothly.
Communication is key here. Letting your provider know about your sexual history and any concerns ahead of time means they can adjust their approach and support you in feeling as comfortable and in control as possible. In some cases, you may even be able to insert the speculum yourself if that feels more manageable. Deep breathing and a calm environment can also help your muscles relax.
If you’ve experienced trauma, live with vaginismus, or have anxiety around pelvic exams, you deserve compassionate, trauma-informed care. It’s okay to ask for extra time, bring someone with you, or even meet the provider for a conversation before your screening to build trust (something Dr. Buckheit recommends, particularly for young patients or anyone who’s nervous about a sensitive exam). Your comfort matters just as much as the results.
What if I'm queer, asexual (ace), or nonbinary — do I still need a Pap?
Yes — if you have a cervix, you still need cervical screening, no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation. There’s a common (and frustratingly persistent) myth that Pap smears are only necessary for people who have penis-in-vagina sex. But HPV — the virus that causes most cervical cancers — doesn’t care about labels. It can be passed through any kind of skin-to-skin genital contact, including oral sex, shared sex toys, and even touching. That means queer, lesbian, bi, pansexual, asexual, and nonbinary folks are still at risk, even if they’ve never had traditional penetrative sex.
Unfortunately, many people outside the heterosexual, cisgender norm are dismissed, misinformed, or made to feel uncomfortable during healthcare visits. This can lead to lower screening rates and higher risks of undetected cervical changes. But the medical need for screening is based on anatomy, not identity. If you have a cervix, you should be included in conversations about Pap smears — and you deserve respectful, inclusive care.
If you've had bad experiences in the past, it’s understandable to feel hesitant. Look for clinics that offer LGBTQIA+ affirming or trauma-informed care, and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. You're not overreacting — you're protecting your health, and that matters.
Why it’s still worth it — even if you're dreading it
Let’s be honest: Pap smears aren’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun. Whether it’s the awkwardness, the vulnerability, or past negative experiences, it’s totally valid to feel anxious or even avoidant about getting screened. Add in the fact that you haven’t had sex in a while — or ever — and it can be easy to convince yourself it’s not really necessary.
But here’s the thing: Pap smears save lives. They’re one of the most effective tools we have for detecting early changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. According to the CDC, regular screening has significantly reduced cervical cancer deaths over the last few decades. Even if you feel fine and have no symptoms, abnormal cells can develop silently — and the earlier they’re caught, the easier they are to treat.
Pap smears are super important
Whether you’ve never had sex, haven’t had it in years, don’t have a current partner, or identify as queer, asexual, or nonbinary — if you have a cervix, Pap smears are still an important part of taking care of your health. Cervical cancer doesn’t follow a schedule or care about your relationship status, and HPV can hang around quietly for years before showing any signs.
It’s easy to put off cervical screening, especially if your sex life isn’t currently active or if past experiences have left you feeling anxious. But this test isn’t just about what’s happening right now — it’s about protecting your future self. If it’s been a while since your last smear, or if you’ve never had one, consider this your gentle nudge to reach out to a provider you trust. Ask the questions. Set boundaries. Do it your way.
Your body deserves care and attention, no matter your gender, orientation, or how long it’s been since your last intimate moment. A Pap smear might only take a few minutes — but it’s a powerful act of self-respect that could make all the difference.
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Fertility Mapper, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.