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Pap smears may only take a few minutes, but they have a big job: they help detect early cervical cell changes before they become a serious problem.
Because cervical cancer often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms (at first), regular Pap smears help you stay ahead of potential issues.
Our team of primary care providers at Maniya Health encourages you to stay proactive about preventive care, and that includes scheduling your next Pap smear.
Below, our team explains what exactly Pap smears look for and when to schedule your next one.
What a Pap smear checks for
A Pap smear screens for abnormal cervical cells that may develop into cervical cancer over time.
During a Pap smear, your Maniya Health provider uses a small medical swab or brush to collect a small sample of cells from your cervix. These cells are then examined in a laboratory to identify any abnormal changes.
Pap smears can detect:
- Precancerous cervical cell changes
- Cervical cancer in its early stages
- Signs of HPV-related cell changes (if you have a co-test done)
Because cervical cancer often develops slowly, routine screening allows our team to catch problems as early as possible, long before symptoms appear.
When to start Pap smear screening
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most women begin Pap smear screening at age 21.
Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, regular screening is important because cervical cell changes often don’t cause noticeable warning signs early on.
Your Maniya Health provider will help determine the appropriate screening schedule based on your age and medical history.
How often should you schedule a Pap smear?
While most women start having routine Pap smears when they’re 21, your individual testing cadence after that first screening can vary. The recommended Pap smear schedule typically depends on your age and screening history.
If you’re between the ages of 21 and 29
If your Pap smear results are normal, you should schedule one every 3 years.
If you’re between the ages of 30 and 65
You have three options for testing if you’re in this age range:
- HPV testing only every 5 years
- Pap smear only every 3 years
- Pap smear combined with HPV testing every 5 years
HPV testing with Pap smear (co-testing) is important because 12 HPV strains can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. Strains 16 and 18 are most responsible for HPV-related cancers like cervical cancer.
If you’re over the age of 65
Screening may stop if you’ve had consistently normal results.
What if your results aren’t normal?
We may recommend a different schedule if you have certain risk factors or previous abnormal results. For example, if you had unsatisfactory test results (perhaps the sample was contaminated with blood or mucus), you may need another Pap smear within 2 to 4 months.
Depending on your specific Pap smear result, we may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy, and/or referral to a Gynecology specialist.
Signs you should schedule a visit sooner
Even if you’re not due for your next Pap smear, certain symptoms should prompt a gynecologic visit.
These include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge
These symptoms don’t always mean something serious, but they should always be evaluated.
Stay on top of your preventive care
At Maniya Health, our care team provides compassionate women’s health services designed to support you through every stage of life.
If you’re unsure when your last Pap smear was or it’s time for your next screening, schedule an appointment in our Hamilton, Robbinsville, or Hopewell, New Jersey, office.