21 TO 29 YEARS OLD
Begin doing Pap tests at the age of 21. If the result is normal, you may then take the test every three years.32
Screening is not recommended for women under the age of 21.32
30 TO 65 YEARS OLD
There are three ways to get screened:
Pap test only.
If the result is normal, then you can take the test every 3 years.32
HPV test only.
This is called primary HPV testing. If the result is normal, the screening can be taken every 5 years.32
HPV test + the Pap test.
This is called co-testing. If both results are normal, you may take the test every 5 years.32
65 YEARS AND OLDER
Screening is not needed if:
The screening test results were normal for several years.32
The cervix was removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.32