What Are The Official Pap Smear Guidelines - How Often Should I Go?

Regular Pap smears are an important part of women’s wellness care. Pap smears are one of the best ways to detect early warning signs of cervical cancer. With this screening tool, you can protect yourself from cervical cancer.

You might not be sure whether you’re due for a Pap smear. Official recommendations describe how frequently you should receive this type of screening exam, based on your age and risk factors.

To find out if you need a Pap smear, and how often you should go in for cervical cancer screening, make an appointment with Dr. Mary Grace Bridges and the experienced obstetrics and gynecology team at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin. Located in Odessa and Midland, Texas, Dr. Bridges provides Pap smears, and can help you put together your optimal testing plan.

Frequency of Pap smears

No matter your age, it’s important to take Pap smears seriously. Statistics show that the regular scheduled inclusion of Pap smears in women’s wellness care significantly lowers death rates from cervical cancer. Pap smears can be literally life-saving. And, if Dr. Bridges can catch signs of cervical cancer early, your outcomes are much more likely to be positive.

For most patients, recommendations indicate that regular Pap smears should start at age 21. Official guidelines suggest that you get a Pap smear at least once every three years until you reach the age of 65. After the age of 30, it’s often a good idea to combine your screening with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

You may need more frequent Pap smears due to heightened risk factors, such as a history of positive Pap smear results, a family history of cervical cancer, or having been diagnosed with HPV. 

In some cases, negative Pap smear and HPV test results may mean that you won’t need re-testing for five years, rather than three. Dr. Bridges can recommend the best customized schedule for your screenings.

At your Pap smear appointment

You’ve probably had a Pap smear before, so you know what to expect from your Pap smear appointment. However, understanding the procedure may help you realize why it’s important to stay up-to-date on this screening exam.

During your Pap smear, Dr. Bridges uses a speculum device to hold your vaginal canal open. Then, she reaches in to swab your cervix, located at the top of your vagina. The exam is fairly brief, and doesn’t require any downtime afterward.

Dr. Bridges sends your swab to the lab for examination. They check your sample closely for any cellular abnormalities that could indicate cervical cancer. If your test does come back with an abnormal result, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. But, if you do, it’s much better to catch it earlier rather than later. Follow-up testing clarifies your diagnosis.

A Pap smear can be a little uncomfortable. Talk to Dr. Bridges if you have any concerns. Don’t put off getting this important screening exam at least every three years while you’re between the ages of 21-65, though.

For information about Pap smears, or to schedule a screening or well-woman exam, contact Dr. Bridges and Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin today. Call now to book your appointment, or request an appointment online.