How Often Should You Get A Pap Smear

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Why Pap Smears Still Matter

Pap smears are a simple, quick test that can help detect changes in the cervix before they ever turn into cancer. Even if you feel well and have no symptoms, abnormal cells can develop quietly over time. Regular screening gives you and your provider the chance to catch those changes early, when they are usually easiest to treat and most easily managed.

At Alex Tepper OBGYN in New York City, Pap smears are part of a bigger conversation about your overall health, menstrual cycles, birth control needs, and future plans. The goal is not just to “check a box,” but to make sure you understand what is being done and how often you really need it based on your age and history.

General Guidelines by Age

Most people with a cervix will start Pap smear screening in their early twenties. In many cases, Pap tests are done every three years when results are normal, and there are no special risk factors. As you get older, your provider may add HPV testing to your screening, which can safely allow for a slightly longer interval between tests if everything looks reassuring.

If you are over thirty, your provider might recommend a Pap smear alone every three years, an HPV test alone every five years, or both together every five years, depending on your history and comfort level. After age sixty-five, some patients who have had consistently normal results and no history of serious cervical changes may be able to stop routine Pap testing, but that decision is made carefully and individually.

When You May Need Pap Smears More Often

Guidelines are just a starting point. Some people benefit from more frequent screening. You may need closer follow-up if you have had an abnormal Pap smear in the past, have tested positive for high-risk HPV, or have a history of treatment for cervical precancer. A weakened immune system, certain medications, or a history of smoking can also change your recommended schedule.

If you have had a hysterectomy, whether you still need Pap smears depends on the type of surgery and the reason it was done. This is something your provider will walk through with you in detail so you are not left guessing. The most important thing is to let your care team know about any past procedures or abnormal results, even if they were many years ago.

How Gabi and the Team Make Screening Easier

At Alex Tepper OBGYN, preventative care is shared work between physicians and midwives. Certified nurse midwife Gabi Tepper offers midwife services that include gentle, patient-centered Pap smear visits. Her approach focuses on listening, answering questions, and moving at a pace that feels comfortable, especially if you are nervous or it has been a long time since your last exam.

During a visit, you will have time to talk through why Pap smears matter, what your own schedule should be, and how your results will be communicated. The emphasis is always on education and shared decision-making rather than pressure. The practice’s dedicated Pap smear resources explain the test in clear language, but your provider will always personalize that information to your story.

When To Schedule Your Next Pap Smear

If you cannot remember your last Pap smear, or if it has been more than a few years, that is usually a good sign it is time to check in. It is also a good idea to ask about your screening schedule any time you start care with a new gynecologic provider, after a pregnancy, or if you have recently had a new sexual partner. Even if you are up to date, your provider can confirm the timing of your next test, so you do not have to keep track alone.

To schedule a visit, you can use the online contact form to request an appointment at Alex Tepper OBGYN in New York City. Whether you are due for your next Pap smear, have questions about your past results, or simply want to understand your screening plan, Dr. Tepper, Gabi, and the team are ready to help you feel informed, supported, and in control of your cervical health.