When do I need to get the pap test, and how often?
You should have your first Pap test about 3 years after you first become sexually active but no later than age 21. Most doctors recommend a pap smear annually until you are 30 years old, after which you may be able to start getting the test every 3 years. It is important to listen to your doctor's instructions, as he/she will recommend how often you should be tested based on previous Pap test results and your risk factors for cervical cancer. Some examples of risk factors are:
You have had an abnormal Pap test.
You have a family history of cervical cancer.
You or your sexual partner have had an HPV infection or genital warts.
You or your sexual partner have a history of many sexual partners.
You smoke.
Your immune system is not working well because of cancer treatment (chemotherapy), immune-suppressing drugs (for transplants or autoimmune diseases), or an immune-suppressing infection, such as HIV.
If you are age 65 or older, talk with your doctor about whether you still need to get Pap tests. You and your provider can decide what testing schedule is right for you based on your past test results. However, an annual physical exam continues to be important for other health reasons, including early detection of possible breast cancer, other cancers, and other illnesses or problems.
