No sex

[backoftheq]

If you haven't had sex for say 15 years I assume that there is no need to carry on having smear tests?

[Dr Fiona McCarthy]

Even if you are no longer sexually active, you should continue to attend for cervical smears up until the age of 64. Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are responsible for the majority of cases of cervical cancer and if you have been sexually active during your life, you may have been exposed to this virus. Regular screening (every 3 years until the age of 50 and every 5 years from 50-64) is recommended whether you are sexually active or not.