when should you get your first pap smear

The general recommendation is to get your first Pap smear at age 21, regardless of sexual activity. If the results are normal, the screening frequency will typically be every three years until age 29. For ages 30 to 65, guidelines vary slightly but often include options like a Pap smear every three years or co-testing with an HPV test every five years. Screening may not be necessary after age 65 if there have been consistently normal results and no history of cervical precancer.