How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a means of screening for cervical cancer. During a pelvic exam, a health care provider collects a sample of cells from a woman's cervix. These cells are examined for any abnormal changes. Most women need regular Pap smears to help protect from cervical cancer, but it also depends on your age and personal history.

Importance

• As the American Cancer Society states, Pap tests can find abnormal cell changes in the cervix long before cervical cancer develops. As a result, regular Pap smears, and any required follow-up care, can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. In the United States, the majority of cervical cancers are diagnosed in women who have never had a Pap smear or who haven't had one for at least five years.

First Pap Smear

• According to Planned Parenthood, women should start having Pap tests either by the age of 21 or three years after their first vaginal intercourse.

Frequency

• According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women under the age of 30 likely need a Pap smear every year. Women over the age of 30 may be able to have a Pap smear only every two or three years if their last three Pap smear results have been normal. Women who have received abnormal results in the past, or who have certain risk factors such as cancer, HIV infection or a weakened immune system, may need to have Pap smears more than once a year.

HPV Vaccine

• As the American Cancer Society states, women who receive the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) still need to get regular Pap smears, as the vaccine does not protect against all the strains of HPV that may cause cervical cancer.

If Over 65

• According to the National Women's Health Information Center, women over the age of 65 may be able to stop having Pap tests if they have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal results within the last 10 years. Talk to your doctor if you think you may no longer need regular Pap tests.

How to Get a Pap Smear

• Pap smears are usually done during a pelvic exam, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Your regular gynecologist can perform a Pap smear during your yearly exam. If you don't have health insurance, free or low-cost Pap smears are available through Planned Parenthood and programs funded by the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.