What is a pap smear and when do I need one?
A pap smear is a test that takes a small sample of the cells of your cervix to evaluate for structural
changes and viruses, like HPV, human papilloma virus. These tests are preformed due to the
risk of HPV and other viruses changing the health and function of the cells and resulting in
serious complications, like cervical cancer. While the CDC says that only 6.8 out of every
100,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2020, there is a lot of prevention that
can and should occur before anyone gets close to cancer.

The current screening recommendations are to start having yearly physical exams and Pap smears at age 21. After
that point there are many different governing bodies that make the guidelines more confusing.
To keep it simple, after the age of 21 you should get a pap test every 3 years until the age of 30,
at which time a regular HPV test is added. The additional test is added at 30 due to the innate
change in the immune system, and the increased risk of persistent HPV infection. If you ever
have an abnormal test result the screening should be increased, but it varies widely on the
results and should be individualized with your provider based on risk and overall health.

Why do you need an annual exam?
An annual gynecologic physical is much more than a “PAP” smear. An annual exam is meant to
be a yearly visit where your provider takes an updated history and physical exam to ensure no
health changes are occurring that might be signs of new or changing illness. It is also vital to
ensuring your current health is appropriate for any medications or supplements you might be
taking. Most insurance companies authorize these once every rolling year, meaning every 366
days, with the exception of Medicare. If you carry Medicare insurance will allow a full gyn exam
every 2 years, and that includes a pap test. Every practice will have their own routine so be sure
to ask your health care team what their routine is, but just because it is routine doesn’t mean it
can’t be adjusted to be more customized, so always ask.