Do Pap tests screen for sexually transmitted infections?

March 6, 2014 1 min read

By Kendall @ Planned Parenthood

None

Does a pap smear test for stds

No. Pap tests, also known as Pap smears, look for any cell changes in your cervix, which could lead to cervical cancer. Cell changes are often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is an STD. But Pap tests only test for the cell changes, not whether or not you have HPV.

If you want to be tested for STDs, make sure to ask for it directly. And keep in mind there’s no such thing as getting a general STD test that tests for everything. You should talk with your doctor or nurse about your sexual history, and together you can figure out which STDs you should be tested for.

-Kendall at Planned Parenthood

Tags: STDs, going to the doctor, Pap tests, HPV, pap smear, pap test

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