What is pap smear

Women age 30 and older can consider Pap testing every five years if the procedure is combined with testing for HPV. Or they might consider HPV testing instead of the Pap test. If you have certain risk factors, your doctor may recommend more-frequent Pap smears, regardless of your age. These risk factors include:. You and your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of Pap smears and decide what's best for you based on your risk factors.

After a total hysterectomy. After a total hysterectomy — surgical removal of the uterus including the cervix — ask your doctor if you need to continue having Pap smears.

If your hysterectomy was performed for a noncancerous condition, such as uterine fibroids, you may be able to discontinue routine Pap smears. But if your hysterectomy was for a precancerous or cancerous condition of the cervix, your doctor may recommend continuing routine Pap testing. Older age. Doctors generally agree that women can consider stopping routine Pap testing at age 65 if their previous tests for cervical cancer have been negative.

Discuss your options with your doctor and together you can decide what's best for you based on your risk factors. If you're sexually active with multiple partners, your doctor may recommend continuing Pap testing.

A Pap smear is a safe way to screen for cervical cancer. However, a Pap smear isn't foolproof. It's possible to receive false-negative results — meaning that the test indicates no abnormality, even though you do have abnormal cells. A false-negative result doesn't mean that a mistake was made. Factors that can cause a false-negative result include:. Although it's possible for abnormal cells to go undetected, time is on your side. Cervical cancer takes several years to develop.

And if one test doesn't detect the abnormal cells, the next test most likely will. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina vaginal canal make up the female reproductive system. A Pap smear is performed in your doctor's office and takes only a few minutes. You may be asked to undress completely or only from the waist down.

An abnormal Pap smear test does not mean you have cancer, but it could mean that you have precancerous cells or HPV. Women have specific nutrient needs that change throughout their lifespan. This article covers vitamins for women and explains vitamin sources, dietary…. A pelvic exam is a visual and physical examination of a woman's reproductive organs. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart.

Learn how to recognize coronary artery disease symptoms, how to manage the symptoms, and…. Getting a regular Pap smear test is an important way to screen for STDs and cervical cancers. Learn how frequently you should get one. They can prevent more serious disease and change as you age. Your doctors are there to help you and all women lead healthy lives.

Learn how to get the most out of your healthcare team. From navigating a healthy diet to your mental health, these books will help shed some light on the complex world of women's health. Learn about factors that affect the kidneys, symptoms, and…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Who needs a Pap smear? How often do you need a Pap smear? Age Pap smear frequency none needed every 3 years every 3 years or an HPV test every 5 years or a Pap test and HPV test together every 5 years 65 and older you may no longer need Pap smear tests; talk to your doctor to determine your needs.

How to prepare for a Pap smear. Media Contacts. Cancer Reporting Fellowships. Advisory Board Meetings. Social Media Events. Cancer Currents Blog. Contributing to Cancer Research. Strategic Planning. Principal Deputy Director's Page.

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The American Cancer Society recommend that people between the ages of 25 and 65 should have an HPV test every five years. After the age of 65 years, most women will not need a Pap smear or HPV test.

Those who have had abnormal test results in the past and those who are sexually active with more than one partner may need more frequent testing. After a total hysterectomy , which is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, a Pap smear will no longer be necessary.

Anyone who has a hysterectomy because they had cancerous or precancerous cells should continue to have regular tests. Everyone has different needs, so it is important that people speak to their doctor about their risk factors for developing cervical cancer and their need for screening.

The test results usually take 1—3 weeks to come back. Most test results are negative, but they can sometimes be positive. A positive result does not confirm that a person has cancer, but it indicates that more investigation is necessary. Sometimes the result is ambiguous. The doctor may ask the person to have more tests to monitor for any changes. These additional tests are likely to take place either soon after the first test or about 6 months later.

Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance ASCUS : These are mildly abnormal cells that do not meet the criteria for precancerous cells. If HPV is present, the doctor may recommend additional testing. Squamous intraepithelial lesion : These lesions indicate possible precancerous cellular changes that are likely to need further testing.

During a colposcopy, the doctor uses a colposcope to magnify the view of the cervix, vulva, and vagina for examination. They may take a biopsy sample for evaluation in a laboratory. Low-grade lesion : The risk of a low-grade lesion imminently progressing to cancer is minimal. High-grade lesion : A high-grade lesion has a high likelihood of becoming cancerous sooner rather than later. Atypical glandular cells : There are abnormal cells in the endocervix that will need further testing.

Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma : There is a likelihood of cancer, depending on the type of cell that is atypical.