The evidence shows that if a person has not had sex, their risk of developing cervical cancer is very low, although the risk is ‘low risk’ not ‘no risk’. Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes at least 99.7% of cervical cancers, can be passed on by any sort of sexual contact. This includes:
· Penetrative sex
· Oral sex
· Genital touching
· Shared use of sex toys
You may wish to discuss having a test with your GP or practice nurse, to help you decide.
We know that some people may be worried that having a screening test before they have had sex may mean that they are no longer a virgin. However, it is only having had sex that means someone is no longer a virgin.