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Yes and no. Pap smears do check for changes to the cervix caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and in certain cases will check directly for HPV. HPV is the most common STI; it causes cervical cancer and genital warts. Also, some STIs will show up on a pap smear if it is a prevalent infection.

These include Chlamydia and Trichomoniasis but the pap smear is not designed to test for these specifically and so they can be missed. Routine testing for STIs can be done easily with a simple q-tip swab at the time of a pap smear.  Contact your doctor today to find out more.

FAQs

Can STI be detected in a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is primarily designed to detect abnormal cells in the cervix that may indicate cervical cancer or precancerous conditions. However, certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can sometimes be detected during a Pap smear. For instance:

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Since HPV is closely linked to cervical cancer, many Pap smears are also tested for HPV.
  • Trichomoniasis: This parasitic infection can occasionally be identified in Pap smear samples.

However, Pap smears are not specifically designed to detect most STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or herpes.

Do smear tests check for STI?

Standard Pap smear tests do not typically check for STIs. A Pap smear is focused on detecting cervical cell abnormalities. For comprehensive STI screening, additional tests are required, such as:

  • Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs): These are commonly used for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
  • Blood tests: These can be used for syphilis, HIV, and herpes.
  • Urine tests: These can also detect chlamydia and gonorrhea.
  • Swabs from the genital area: These can be used to test for various other STIs.

Doctors may take additional samples during a pelvic exam if STI testing is requested or deemed necessary based on symptoms or risk factors.

Can a Pap smear detect if you are sexually active?

A Pap smear cannot determine whether someone is sexually active. The test analyzes cervical cells for abnormalities and the presence of HPV. It does not provide any information about a person’s sexual activity.

While certain infections or changes in the cervix detected by a Pap smear could suggest sexual activity (since some infections are sexually transmitted), the test itself is not designed to make such determinations.