Cervical screening intervals depend mainly on your age, your cervix/uterus history, and which test is used. Recommendations also differ slightly by country, so it is important to confirm with local guidelines or your own clinician.
Typical age-based intervals
- Under 21: routine cervical screening is generally not recommended because cancer risk is very low and tests can lead to unnecessary procedures.
- Ages 21–29: most guidelines advise a Pap (cytology) test every 3 years if results are normal.
- Ages 30–65: options usually include Pap every 3 years, primary high‑risk HPV testing every 5 years, or combined Pap + HPV (“co‑testing”) every 5 years, assuming normal results.
- Over 65: many people can stop routine screening if they have had adequate negative results and no high‑risk history, but this should be decided with a clinician.
Country-specific examples
- United States: guidance from groups such as USPSTF and ACOG follows the schedule above (start at 21; Pap every 3 years to 29; then 3‑year Pap or 5‑year HPV‑based options to 65).
- United Kingdom (NHS England): people with a cervix are typically invited from 25 to 64, with screening every 3–5 years depending on age and HPV result; many are now on a 5‑year interval with primary HPV testing.
- Other programmes (for example, some low‑ and middle‑income country guidelines) may start at 25 or 30 and use HPV testing every 5–10 years or cytology/VIA every 3 years.
When screening may be more frequent or different
- If you have had abnormal results, are HPV‑positive, are immunocompromised, or had treatment for cervical precancer/cancer, you may need more frequent follow‑up (for example, yearly) or a different testing plan.
- People who have had a total hysterectomy for non‑cancer reasons may not need further cervical screening, but this depends on individual history.
What you can do next
- Check the official guidance for your country’s screening programme (for example, national health service or health department website).
- Ask your GP, gynaecologist, or sexual health clinic: your age, past results, and any risk factors will determine how often you personally should be screened.
