Pap smears are typically done every three years for women ages 21 to 29, and every three to five years for women ages 30 to 65, depending on the screening method and individual risk factors.
Screening Guidelines by Age
- Ages 21 to 29: A Pap smear is recommended every three years.
- Ages 30 to 65: Options include a Pap smear every three years, an HPV test every five years, or co-testing (Pap and HPV together) every five years.
- Ages 65 and older: Pap smears may no longer be necessary if previous results have been normal and there are no high-risk factors.
Additional Notes
- Annual Pap smears are no longer recommended for most women due to evidence that less frequent screening is effective and reduces unnecessary procedures.
- Women should discuss their personal risk factors and medical history with their healthcare provider to determine the best screening schedule.
These guidelines are designed to balance effective cancer prevention with minimizing unnecessary testing and procedures.
