Dear ericsal,

Not necessarily. A clinician will perform a Pap test at your regular gynecological exam. It's used to examine the cells of the cervix in order to detect cancerous or precancerous cells. Pap tests can detect symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. With the exception of trichomoniasis, they cannot detect the specific infection. Abnormal cell development in the cervix is usually due to an infection from certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV), but a Pap test cannot detect an infection itself. Most clinicians don't automatically test for sexually transmitted infections — you have to ask. Your clinician can help you figure out which tests are appropriate by talking to you about your sexual history.

For confidential testing, call 1-800-230-PLAN for the nearest Planned Parenthood.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.