As a trans man, do I need to get screened for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer. It’s not something that any of us like to think about, but for many trans men and people on the transmasculine/female to male/FtM gender spectrum, cervical cancer screening comes with particular concerns.

It can be hard to make cervical screening a priority, especially if it's uncomfortable even thinking about having a cervix. Maybe you’re concerned that you may experience transphobia at the screening facility. Perhaps you’re worried that having a Pap test could be uncomfortable or upsetting, or that it could make gender dysphoria worse. Or, maybe you just don’t want to think about cancer.

But if you’re a trans guy age 21 or older who has ever had sex — with anyone — then you need to get screened for cervical cancer if you have a cervix.

It depends on the type of hysterectomy you had. If you don’t know what type you had, you will need to talk to your healthcare provider.

• If you had a hysterectomy that left your cervix intact or partially intact, then yes, you will need regular Pap tests.
• If you had a complete hysterectomy that included removing your cervix, AND you have no history of cancerous or precancerous cervical cells, then you will likely not need regular Pap tests.
• If you had a complete hysterectomy and you had a prior history of cervical cancer or precancerous condition, you may need to have vaginal vault or cuff smears until you have three documented normal tests in a row.

Discuss your screening needs and schedule with your healthcare provider.

Find out more about cervical cancer screening and answer questions that you might have.