Did You Know?

Regular Pap tests are an important part of all women’s health care. You should start having Pap tests at age 21 years. How often you should have a Pap test depends on your age and health history. After three normal Pap test results in a row, most women can have Pap tests less frequently.

Having a Pap test performed less frequently based on age is a change from the yearly screening that many women have had in the past. But studies have shown that the risk of cervical cancer is the same in women who have screening every 2 years compared with women who have yearly screening.

It is different for every woman in terms of when she should stop having Pap tests. It is recommended that a woman who is aged 65 years or 70 years can stop having Pap tests after three normal results in a row within the past 10 years. However, if you have certain risk factors, you should continue to have routine Pap tests. These risk factors include being sexually active and having had multiple partners or a previous history of abnormal Pap test results.

It is important to discuss with your Women's Care provider how often you should have a Pap test performed. It is recommended you still see your provider every year for an annual exam and for any reproductive health care or information.