The general recommendation for Pap smear frequency is:
- Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap smear every 3 years.
- Women ages 30 to 65 have three options: a Pap smear every 3 years, or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every 5 years, or a Pap smear and HPV test together (co-testing) every 5 years.
- Women over 65 can usually stop screening if they have had three consecutive normal Pap tests in the last 10 years and no history of abnormal cells or cervical cancer.
More frequent Pap smears may be recommended if there is a history of abnormal results, high-risk HPV infection, weakened immune system, or other risk factors. These guidelines come from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the US Preventive Services Task Force, and are broadly followed by healthcare providers.