How often should you get a pap test?
Guidelines for pap testing have recently been updated, and recommend:2
Pap testing should begin at age 21, or 3 years after first having sex, whichever happens first
Annual tests from ages 21 to 30
After age 30, pap tests may be given every 2 to 3 years, if the previous 3 tests have been negative
After age 30, pap tests may be given every 3 years, if a combined HPV and pap test has been negative
Pap testing should be done more often in women who are immunosuppressed, HIV-positive, or who were exposed in utero to the synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES)
Routine pap testing may be discontinued in women who have undergone hysterectomy with removal of the cervix, and who have no history of abnormal pap tests
Your doctor can recommend the interval of pap testing that is right for you