If you have had normal pap smears should get an hpv test?

It is recommended that women who have had normal Pap smears still get an HPV test as part of their regular cervical cancer screening. Here are a few reasons why:

1. HPV Test's Sensitivity: The HPV test is more sensitive in detecting the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer, compared to the Pap smear alone. This means that the HPV test can identify women at higher risk of developing cervical cancer even if their Pap smear results are normal.

2. Early Detection: The HPV test can detect precancerous changes in the cervix at an earlier stage than the Pap smear. By identifying these changes early, it allows for timely intervention and treatment to prevent the progression to cervical cancer.

3. Complementary Screening: The HPV test and the Pap smear are complementary screening methods that provide a more comprehensive assessment of cervical health. Using both tests together increases the accuracy and effectiveness of cervical cancer screening.

4. Cost-effectiveness: In the long run, combining HPV testing with Pap smears has been found to be cost-effective in reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer.

5. Guidelines and Recommendations: Many medical organizations and guidelines, such as the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), recommend HPV testing as part of routine cervical cancer screening, even for women with normal Pap smear results.

It's important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and guidelines for cervical cancer screening, which may include both Pap smears and HPV tests based on your age, risk factors, and individual circumstances.