The Pap test is your best defense against cervical cancer.

• It finds problems before they become cancer. The main goal of the Pap test is to find precancerous cells. These are abnormal cells that could turn into cancer over time if left untreated.
• It finds cancer early. When found early, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

Routine Pap testing has dramatically reduced the number of deaths from cervical cancer in the United States.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer.

HPV is so common that most sexually active people will get it at some point in their lives, often without ever knowing it. In most cases, your body’s immune system clears the virus on its own. However, some high-risk types of HPV can persist and cause the cell changes that lead to cancer.

Because of this strong link, we often test for high-risk HPV at the same time as your Pap test if there are any abnormal cellular changes.

Guidelines can change, and your provider will create a plan that is specific to you, your age, and your health history. In general:

• Ages 21-29: Pap test alone every 3 years.
• Ages 30-65: Co-testing (Pap test + HPV test) every 5 years is preferred. (A Pap test alone every 3 years is also an option).
• Over 65: You may be able to stop testing if you have a history of normal results.

However, our clinic and providers recommend annual pap screening. Insurance covers the pap smears, so it is no cost to you. Annual screenings help our providers detect any early cervical changes – that would otherwise go undetected during the 3-5 year recommended testing gap. Yearly testing provides a more comprehensive health screening and aids in early cervical cancer detection. 

You may need more frequent testing if you have had abnormal Pap tests in the past or have other specific risk factors.

To help ensure your results are as accurate as possible, try to:

• Schedule your test for a time when you are not on your period.
• Avoid douching (rinsing the vagina) for at least 2 days before your test.
• Avoid vaginal intercourse, tampons, and vaginal medicines/creams for at least 2 days before your test.

It can take one to three weeks to get your results.

• Normal (or “Negative”): This is great news! It means no abnormal cells were found. We will see you at your next regular screening interval.
• Unclear (or “ASC-US”): This is a very common result. It means some cells looked unusual, but they weren’t clearly abnormal. Your provider may recommend a repeat Pap test in a few months or an HPV test.
• Abnormal (or “Positive”): This means cell changes were found. This does not mean you have cancer. It means you need further follow-up. The most common next step is a procedure called a colposcopy, where your provider uses a special magnifying lens to look at your cervix more closely.