If you’ve never had sex, do you still need to go for a smear test?

[AskEveTeam]

A smear test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and testing them for abnormalities, that if left untreated, have the potential to turn into cancer.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is passed from person to person during various forms of sexual contact – not just through penetrative sex.

Someone who’s never had any kind of sexual contact with men or women (penetrative or otherwise) is therefore at extremely low risk of getting cervical cancer, but can still choose to have their smear test.

However, someone who has had some form of sexual contact – even if it's never penetrative – is still at risk of exposure to HPV, and would benefit from a cervical screening appointment.

If you have a question about cervical screening, cervical cancer or HPV, please do get in touch with our Ask Eve team via [e-mail]