A “pap smear” is a test that a doctor performs by brushing cells off the cervix and sending them to a pathologist for evaluation. The cells are evaluated for abnormalities that could lead to cervical cancer.
Pap smears only check for cervical cancer and don’t evaluate for vaginal, ovarian or uterine problems. Since the advent of pap smears, cervical cancer has decreased by more than 50%. Most of the women in America who have cervical cancer never had a pap smear or skipped pap smears.
Pap Smear Recommendations
Doctors used to recommend pap smears yearly. Recently, we have learned more about Human papilloma virus (HPV) – the virus that leads to precancerous changes of the cervix and cervical cancer. Pap smears are now performed less frequently. This is done for 2 reasons – low risk abnormal pap smears in younger adults often resolve without treatment. Secondly, performing a pap smear and HPV in older adults is more accurate so the test does not need to be performed as frequently.
Below are basic recommendations regarding when to perform a pap smear or a pap smear and HPV test. These recommendations can vary depending on your personal history.
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Pap smears should start at age 21 – even if the woman has started to have sex at a much earlier age
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From the ages of 21-29 pap smears are recommended every three years unless there are certain conditions or abnormalities that change the recommendation to more frequently
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From the ages of 30-65 pap smears plus testing for HPV (only the high risk HPV) are recommended approximately every three to five years
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If you have a history of cervical cancer or precancer, have HIV/AIDS or have had exposure to DES or have other health issues – recommendations for pap smears may vary.
If you have an abnormal pap smear or history of an abnormal pap smear it is essential you follow the recommendations of your physician. By following abnormal pap smears and treating them appropriately we have significantly decreased cervical cancer in the US.
Contact MetroPartners OBGYN
If you have any questions about pap smears, it’s best to consult your provider. Give MetroPartners OBGYN a call and schedule an appointment.