By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
thiraisorgam thiraisorgam
  • Home
  • Wellness
  • Fitness
  • Diabetes
  • Reproductive Health
Reading: How Long After a Pap Smear Should I Abstain?
Thirai SorgamThirai Sorgam
Search
  • Home
  • Wellness
  • Fitness
  • Diabetes
  • Reproductive Health
© 2025 All Rights reserved | Powered by Thiraisorgam
Thirai Sorgam > Reproductive Health > How Long After a Pap Smear Should I Abstain?
Reproductive Health

How Long After a Pap Smear Should I Abstain?

April 1, 2025 5 Min Read
Share
sex after pap smear
SHARE

PAP smears are a test for abnormalities in cervical cells and cervical cancer, and is performed by inserting a mirror into the vaginal canal and collecting cells from the cervix using a special cotton swab. These cells are sent to the lab for inspection.

Pap smears are recommended every few years (depending on your age). Get it frequently. It’s easy to forget what to do before and after booking.

What is one of the most common questions?

After the Pap smear, can you have sex?

There is no official consensus on whether sex can be done after a pup smear. Ultimately, it depends on you and what you feel is right for your body.

That being said, it is not uncommon to experience some bleeding and spots along with the discomfort after the pup smear. This is deterrent when it comes to sex, especially penetration.

Your provider can give you clearer instructions as to whether sex is a good idea for you right after the Pap smear. If you’re feeling it and want a little intimacy, then I recommend choosing non-penetrating activities such as oral sex or good old times makeup.

Can I have sex before smearing?

We don’t advise that.

Since we don’t get PAP smears frequently, when we do so, we want to take the steps to get the most accurate results possible. That includes refraining from sex.

Penetrate approximately 24-48 hours before your appointment, as penetrating gender can affect the outcome just before your Pap smear. It also means avoiding the use of lubricants and sexual toys, as well as oral sex before the pup smear. This is mainly because all of these can introduce bacteria into your vagina.

See also  Want to improve intimacy in a relationship? Follow these 5 expert-approved tips

There are only 1-2 days every few years. Do it (or don’t) for reproductive health!

Pap smear, gender, STI

While you’re here, it’s important to take a little time to talk about STIs.

HPV is Most common STIs There. There are many different strains, some of which can lead to genital warts, while others can lead to cervical cancer, as we discussed.

If your Pup Smear is all clear, does it give you reach to have unprotected sex? That’s not necessarily the case. It may mean you don’t have abnormal neck cells, but you still need to be proactive about your sexual health.

This means using barrier protection methods such as condoms and dental dams if you are with a new partner or have multiple partners. Or, if you decide to have unprotected sex, a clear conversation about your test and STI status is having a clear conversation with your sexual partner.

Pap smears may tell you a lot about your cervical health, but they don’t draw the big picture.

Preparing Pap Smears

Whether this is your first or your fifth Pup smear, being in the office with literally everyone in your business can be nerve-wracking.

In addition to brushing up sex protocols before and after the Pup smear, there are other important tips too. How to prepare a Pap smear.

  • It’s fine to get a Pup smear during the period, but if you can avoid it, try to avoid schedule appointments when you’re menstruating.
  • Come to your appointment with a list of questions about your sexual and reproductive health.
  • To minimize discomfort, you can take OTC painkillers like ibuprofen about an hour before your appointment.
  • You may want to wear panty liners in case they are found after a pup smear.
See also  Dilator Treatment for Vaginismus

If your results happen to be abnormal, this may be scary to hear. Unusual results are incredibly common and can be cleared yourself within a few years. Your doctor would recommend coming to another Pup smear in probably a year.

So, just as a reminder – sex before the pup smear? No, not a day or two ago. Sex after a pup smear? Yes, only if it feels good for you and your body.

TAGGED:Intimate Health
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link
Previous Article Can you get a yeast infection from antibiotics? Can you get a yeast infection from antibiotics?
Next Article Holistic Nutrition feature photo Holistic Nutrition: Nourishing Your Body and Soul
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

latest

14 Best Foods for Improving Digestion and Gut Health

14 Best Foods for Improving Digestion and Gut Health

Maintaining a healthy digestive system is key to overall well-being. The right…

Thirai Sorgam 10 Min Read
11 Best Gluteus Minimass for Stronger and More Stable Lower Body

11 Best Gluteus Minimass for Stronger and More Stable Lower Body

Whether you have lofty exercise goals, such as setting up a marathon…

Thirai Sorgam 15 Min Read
Best Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Creams

Best Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Creams (Review & Guide)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure. If you…

Thirai Sorgam 21 Min Read
pregnant immune system

Pregnancy Trichomoniasis | Symptoms & Treatments

Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STI) that needs to…

Thirai Sorgam 6 Min Read
Sports Nutrition Basics: 13 Nutrients for the Best Training

Sports Nutrition Basics: 13 Nutrients for the Best Training

You already know about carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Collectively known as the…

Thirai Sorgam 10 Min Read
Insulin for Pumps: What Are the Options?

Insulin for Pumps: What Are the Options?

If you have recently changed from multiple daily injections (MDIs) to insulin…

Thirai Sorgam 10 Min Read

You Might Also Like

Does your period feel heavier in summer? Here’s why
Reproductive Health

Does your period feel heavier in summer? Here’s why

Fever and hormones can help strengthen menstruation. It explains why…

5 Min Read
Peeing during sex: Is it normal or a sign of an infection?
Reproductive Health

Peeing during sex: Is it normal or a sign of an infection?

Peeing during sex is very common among women. It could…

10 Min Read
Kiss Day: 12 ways kissing can keep you healthy and happy
Reproductive Health

Kiss Day: 12 ways kissing can keep you healthy and happy

There are many benefits to kissing, such as strengthening your…

11 Min Read
Covid-19 and pregnancy: 12 ways diabetic moms-to-be can stay safe
Reproductive Health

Covid-19 and pregnancy: 12 ways diabetic moms-to-be can stay safe

India has seen an increase in Covid-19 cases and new…

5 Min Read
thiraisorgam thiraisorgam
thiraisorgam thiraisorgam

Our mission is to provide reliable and up-to-date information to help our readers make informed decisions about their well-being.

Editor's Picks

15 Easy Mindful Habits to Improve Your Well-Being
Lisa Ray reveals why she started Hormone Replacement Therapy at 53
The Future of Feeding: Lab Grown Breast Milk
11 Simple Boundaries to Boost Your Mental Well-Being

Follow Us on Socials

We use social media to react to breaking news, update supporters and share information

Facebook Twitter Telegram
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
Reading: How Long After a Pap Smear Should I Abstain?
© 2025 All Rights reserved | Powered by Thiraisorgam
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?