The general guidelines for when to get a Pap smear or cervical cancer screening are as follows:
- Starting age: Begin Pap smears at age 21 regardless of sexual activity.
- Ages 21 to 29: Get a Pap smear every 3 years.
- Ages 30 to 65: Options include a Pap smear every 3 years, or an HPV test every 5 years, or co-testing with both Pap and HPV tests every 5 years.
- After 65: Screening may not be necessary if there have been three normal Pap tests in the past 10 years and no history of cervical precancer or cancer.
- Pap smears are generally not recommended before age 21 due to very low risk of cervical cancer.
Certain factors like a higher risk of cervical cancer may require more frequent or continued screening past these ages. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on health history. In summary, most people with a cervix should have their first Pap smear at 21, then every three years until age 30, and then either every three to five years until 65 depending on the test method used and past results.
