- The CDC recommends that all women aged 21 and older receive an annual Pap smear even if they're not sexually active. For those who become sexually active before this time, the CDC says that you should begin testing within three years of having sex for the first time. Women who are between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never had an abnormal Pap smear have a very low chance of developing cervical cancer within the next three years, according to the CDC. Therefore, they should check with their doctors to see if they can transition from an annual Pap smear to receiving one every three years. Women older than 65 who have had three consecutive years of normal Pap smear results should consult their doctors, though the CDC generally recommends that this demographic can stop receiving regular Pap smears. The same is true for women who have had hysterectomies, or had their cervix removed.
- Because a Pap smear examines cervical cells and mucus to evaluate whether or not they're pre-cancerous it's important to be sure that your sexual or hygienic habits don't alter the test's reading. The CDC notes that you refrain from placing any unnatural substance, such as a tampon, cream, lubricant or topical medicine, in or around the cervix and vaginal region two days prior to the exam. This also means that sex and douching are off limits. When showering, avoid soaps or large amounts of water. A quick, gentle wiping of the area is fine, but remember that contact with this area should remain minimal. You should also refrain from scheduling your Pap smear during your period, which can also obscure results.
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There are many misconceptions that persist about Pap smears, who needs them, how often they're needed, what their results mean and who can receive them. Some women falsely believe that they don't need a Pap smear if they're too old or simply don't plan to have a child.
The CDC emphasizes that childless and post-menopausal women still need to receive Pap smears, though the frequency of this test will depend on the factors mentioned above. Low-income women and those without health insurance still need to be tested as well. The CDC recommends contacting the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program to see if you qualify for free or low-cost testing. You can do this by calling (800) CDC-INFO or visiting cdc.gov for more information.
According to Drs. Lynda Rushing and Nancy Joste, authors of "Abnormal Pap Smears: What Every Woman Needs to Know," approximately 3 million women in the United States receive "abnormal" Pap smear results every year. The CDC notes that this does not automatically mean these women have cervical cancer. Rather, an "unclear" or "abnormal" reading could be related to other biological and chemical changes in this region due to pregnancy, menopause, infection or a sexually transmitted disease. It is impossible to determine whether the Pap smear detects cancer or another condition, however, unless the woman returns for more testing. Thus, the CDC strongly recommends that any woman with an "abnormal" or "unclear" reading immediately contact her doctor to schedule more testing. This is especially important because cervical cancer is more treatable the earlier it's caught.
