EDIT! (I deleted my post because of a major miswording)
As far as I know you do NOT need any sexual contact to get cervical cancer. I actually remember hearing on the news about how nuns needed to be educated more about pap smears since (they and apparently many other people) assumed no sex, no cancer.
From the first google hit for "cervical cancer causes" http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/cervical_cancer.html: What causes cervical cancer?
The exact cause of cervical cancer is not known, but certain things appear to increase the risk. Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Specific types of the human papilloma virus (the same virus that causes genital warts) are linked with 95% of cases of cervical cancer. HPV is passed on through sex and usually causes no symptoms at all.
Worrying about that 5% is what motivated me to get into the doctor. I was quite surprised that my mom the former ob/gyn nurse didn't have me see a doctor until -I- brought it up at 20 (virgin). Ha, and then the first exam I had the lady didn't even finish the pelvic cause I was in too much pain and apparently that 5% didn't concern her!
Anyway, I can definitely understand being taken aback by the whole process, but maybe try to see it as a way to feel as close to 100% sure as possible that you are reproductively healthy?
no subject
As far as I know you do NOT need any sexual contact to get cervical cancer. I actually remember hearing on the news about how nuns needed to be educated more about pap smears since (they and apparently many other people) assumed no sex, no cancer.
From the first google hit for "cervical cancer causes" http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/cervical_cancer.html:
What causes cervical cancer?
The exact cause of cervical cancer is not known, but certain things appear to increase the risk.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Specific types of the human papilloma virus (the same virus that causes genital warts) are linked with 95% of cases of cervical cancer. HPV is passed on through sex and usually causes no symptoms at all.
Worrying about that 5% is what motivated me to get into the doctor. I was quite surprised that my mom the former ob/gyn nurse didn't have me see a doctor until -I- brought it up at 20 (virgin). Ha, and then the first exam I had the lady didn't even finish the pelvic cause I was in too much pain and apparently that 5% didn't concern her!
Anyway, I can definitely understand being taken aback by the whole process, but maybe try to see it as a way to feel as close to 100% sure as possible that you are reproductively healthy?