Pap Smears: How Often You Really Need to See Your OBGYN

When it comes to your cervical health, you might be wondering: How often should you get a Pap smear?

With evolving guidelines and differing advice from healthcare providers, it's easy to feel confused. The bottom line? Regular Pap smears are a non-negotiable part of staying healthy. Let’s break down what a Pap smear does, why it matters, and how often you should be getting checked, according to leading OBGYN recommendations.

What Is a Pap Smear & What Does It Do?

A Pap smear (or Pap test) is a screening procedure performed by an OBGYN, or your women’s health provider, to detect abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. It’s named after Dr. George Papanicolaou, who developed the test in the 1940s.¹

During the test, your doctor gently collects cells from your cervix using a small brush or spatula. These cells are then examined under a microscope to check for any abnormalities. It’s quick, usually painless, and over in just a few minutes.

What Conditions Does a Pap Smear Screen For?

The primary goal of a Pap smear is to detect precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Most notably, it screens for:

• Cervical cancer: The test can identify abnormal cervical cells before they turn into cancer.
  
  
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): While a Pap smear doesn't detect HPV directly, it identifies changes in cervical cells that are often caused by high-risk HPV strains.
  
  
• Abnormal cell growth: This includes conditions like cervical dysplasia, which can sometimes lead to cancer if not monitored or treated.
  
  

Many women experience abnormal cervical cancer screening results, but this doesn’t mean they have cancer. Most cervical cell changes resolve on their own, but follow-up testing is important to determine if treatment is needed to prevent potential progression to cancer.²

Does a Pap Smear Hurt?

If you're dreading your next Pap smear, take a deep breath. The procedure is typically fast and straightforward:

1. You'll lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups.
   
   
2. Your OBGYN will insert a small speculum (usually the size of your finger) into the vagina to access the cervix.
   
   
3. Using a small brush or spatula, they’ll gently collect a sample of cervical cells.
   
   

The cells are collected primarily from the ectocervix, the outer part of the cervix, which doesn’t have pain receptors. Although the endocervix (the inner part) has more nerve endings, most people only experience slight pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure. The whole process is quick and usually takes less than five minutes.³

How to Prepare for a Pap Smear

To get the most accurate results and have a more comfortable exam, keep these tips in mind before your appointment⁴:

• Avoid sex, douching, or using vaginal products for at least 24 hours before the test.
  Try to schedule your appointment when you're not on your period.
• If you’re being treated for a vaginal or cervical infection, wait at least 2 weeks after treatment to get a test. 
• Empty your bladder before the exam.
• Relax and breathe deeply during the exam—it helps ease any tension.

How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear?

The frequency of Pap smears depends on your age, health history, risk factors, and healthcare provider. Here’s a general guideline based on current recommendations by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists⁵:

• Ages 21-29: Every 3 years, if results are normal.
  
• Ages 30-65: Every 3 years with a Pap test alone, or every 5 years with a combination Pap smear and HPV test (co-testing).
  
• 65 and older: You may be able to stop testing if you've had consistently normal results.
  
  

That said, many OBGYNs still recommend annual Pap smears, especially if:

• You’ve had an abnormal Pap smear in the past
  
  
• You’re immunocompromised
  
  
• You have a history of cervical cancer or precancer
  
  
• You’re HIV-positive
  
  

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Pap Smear

Early detection is everything when it comes to cervical health. The Pap smear has dramatically reduced the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths since it became a routine screening tool.

Skipping regular Pap smears could mean missing early warning signs when they're easiest to treat. Plus, if you’re overdue, many clinics now offer combination tests that screen for both abnormal cells and HPV, giving you more insight in one go.

 

Stay Proactive, Stay Empowered

A Pap smear may not be the most exciting calendar invite, but it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your health. If you’re not sure how often you need one, talk to your OBGYN. They’ll consider your age, medical history, and risk factors to create a personalized screening schedule.

And remember: even if your last Pap came back normal, that doesn’t mean you should skip the next one. Your future self will thank you.

A note on sex and gender: Sex and gender exist on spectrums, and this article uses terms like “male” or “female” to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.