Timing of Pap Smear After Sexual Intercourse
You do not need to wait any specific number of days after having sex to have a Pap smear—the test can be performed at any time regardless of recent sexual activity. The CDC explicitly states that "the sequence of Pap testing in relation to collection of other cervicovaginal specimens has not been shown to influence Pap test results or their interpretation" 1.
Key Clinical Guidance
There is no waiting period required after sexual intercourse for Pap smear collection. The 2010 CDC Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines make clear that recent sexual activity does not interfere with the accuracy or interpretation of Pap test results 1.
Conditions That DO Require Postponement
While sexual activity does not affect Pap testing, certain other conditions should prompt rescheduling:
Active menstruation: If a woman is menstruating, a conventional cytology Pap test should be postponed, and the woman should be advised to have a Pap test at the earliest opportunity 1
Mucopurulent discharge: The presence of discharge should NOT delay the Pap test—the test can be performed after careful removal of the discharge with a saline-soaked cotton swab 1
Common Clinical Pitfall
A frequent misconception is that recent sexual activity will "contaminate" the sample or cause false results. This is not supported by evidence. The CDC guidelines specifically address this concern and confirm that the timing of sexual activity relative to Pap testing does not affect test quality or interpretation 1.
Practical Recommendation
Schedule the Pap smear at the patient's convenience without regard to recent sexual activity. The only scheduling considerations should be avoiding active menstruation for conventional cytology (though liquid-based cytology may still be acceptable) 1.