Pap smear

Dear Ask The Doctor: If I'm a 24 year old virgin do i need to get a pap smear, I've started to get the Gardasil shots?

Dear Amy:

PAP smears should be started as soon as women turn 21 years old or 3 years after being sexually active, whichever comes first. Then every two or three years, you may consider having a Pap smears less often after age 30 or if you've had multiple negative tests in a row.

Gardasil will give you protection against the types of HPV commonly related to cervix cancer. I am very glad that you made this decision; however you should still continue to have your regular PAP smears. I wish you the best.