pep smear

can a annual pep smear detect all stds?

[auntiejessi]

No.  In fact, a pap smear doesn't detect any stds.  It looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, that's it.

Sometimes, the person in the lab can see cell changes that are associated with HPV, maybe even herpes, but without other testing, you really aren't testing at all for stds with just a pap smear.  Some doctors will do other tests when they do a pap smear, but others don't, and to find out if you've been tested, just call your doctor's office and ask.

AJ

[auntiejessi]

Oh and there is a brand new pap test that will also test for chlamydia and trichomonis, but not all offices are using that yet.

AJ

[Midgetann]

Does one that has herpes, have it for the rest of thier life