The guidelines have actually just changed to every 3 years.

Personally I think pap smears are pushed much too hard onto anyone with a cervix. It shows just how the medical community trusts the judgment of women (IE not at all) that they hold birth control ransom unless you submit yourself to the test, and will pressure you as soon as you turn 18, regardless of lack of sexual history or symptoms.

I am for pap smears, but every year is overkill. I refused to get one until I became sexually active and I will most likely refuse to get another unless I get symptoms, another partner, or at least 3 years have passed. less

I would much rather have a pap every other year or every 3 years. I've been with my boyfriend for almost 7 years and we're very loyal to eachother. We're eachothers firsts and have never had sex with anyone else. I have no history of ovarian cancer or anything like that in my family at all. They still make me get a pap if I want pills though. I have to admit I know it's good for me but every year it's such a drag and puts me in a bad mood.

I go to a local community health clinic and get my birth control pills for free because I'm unemployed. My boyfriend makes enough to support us both comfortably. For some reason people think I'm a bad and terrible person because of this. It's just the way it is right now and it's been working out fine. We've been together for a long time and we never fight or anything. I don't like being judged because I go and get free pills. less

The guidelines have actually just changed to every 3 years.

Personally I think pap smears are pushed much too hard onto anyone with a cervix. It shows just how the medical community trusts the judgment of women (IE not at all) that they hold birth control ransom unless you submit yourself to the test, and will pressure you as soon as you turn 18, regardless of lack of sexual history or symptoms.

I am for pap smears, but every year is overkill. I refused to get one until I became sexually active and I will most likely refuse to get another unless I get symptoms, another partner, or at least 3 years have passed. less

I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experience, I can't believe your doctor said that to you!!! I'm assuming you switched doctors?!!!

I had the same kind of experience with a dentist and whitening my teeth!

I was petrified of dentists and didn't go for years, but it's better for your body and your health if you go.

I would recommend you to go, get a new doctor if you haven't already, and you could even pre-medicate yourself with your preferred painkiller before you go to your appointment, after talking about your concerns with your doctor first!

All the best to you and your cervix! less