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WIN Network: Detroit would love to answer your questions about all things women's health, including pregnancy, maternal and infant health, and more! Currently, our program provides enhanced group prenatal care for Black women in the Detroit and Dearborn area. If you are seeking a resource for yourself or your family, please check out our "Resources" section for helpful links, websites, and organizations. If you need immediate help with a resource, we suggest calling United Way of Southeast Michigan at 2-1-1, where 24-7 operators can connect you to what you need.
  • Ask Winnie is for your questions about all things women's health, including pregnancy, maternal and infant health, and more! If you are seeking a resource for yourself or your family, please check out our "Resources" section for helpful information, links, websites, and organizations. If you need immediate help with a resource, we suggest calling United Way of Southeast Michigan at 2-1-1, where 24-7 operators can connect you to what you need.
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Is a pap smear also an STI test?

Dear Winnie,

Is a pap smear a test that also tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? 

 

That is a great question, and one a lot of people don’t know the answer to! A pap smear, or pap test, is a screening for cervical cancer. It tests whether the cells of your cervix are normal or if they are abnormal (which doesn’t always mean you have cervical cancer, just that these cells could progress to cancer over time.)

The pap smear does NOT test for sexually transmitted infections. So, even if you get your regularly scheduled pap smears, you still need to ask your provider for additional testing to check if you have any STIs.

Providers generally recommend that you get tested for STIs at least once per year, but talk to yours to find out a testing schedule that works best for your life and your health! Pap smears and STI tests are both essential parts of a healthy woman’s medical care.

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