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How Often Do I Need a Pap Smear?

We can thank a physician born in 1883 in Greece — Dr. George Papanicolaeou — for the development of a game-changing women’s screening test, the Pap smear. This test catches early-stage cervical cancer, which just decades ago was a leading killer of women. 

Dr. Kevin Hooker provides advanced and complete OB/GYN services to women of every age and stage. One of the standard tests you receive during a routine appointment is your Pap smear, but did you know that the advised frequency for getting this screening test varies with your age?

The importance of our Pap smear

When you come to Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care for your Pap smear, Dr. Hooker takes a sample of cells from the opening of your cervix (the bottom portion of your uterus) while you recline on the exam table with your feet placed in stirrups. He uses a speculum to keep your vagina open so he can obtain the cell sample, and the test takes just minutes and isn’t painful. 

The sample is then sent to the lab. A notable benefit of the Pap smear is that it catches cervical cancer in the early stages, and with virtually any type of cancer, the earlier you diagnose it, the better your chances of survival are. In fact, if any abnormal precancerous cells are found through your Pap smear at a very early stage, Dr. Hooker can surgically remove them. This prevents the cancer from returning in about 95% of cases. Another important test Dr. Hooker may advise in conjunction with your Pap smear is an HPV test, which detects the human Papillomavirus. This virus is sexually transmitted and is responsible for almost all cervical cancer.

When should I get a Pap smear?

Here’s the schedule for getting Pap smear that Dr. Hooker recommends based on your age, risk factors, and the results of your previous Pap smear:

You should get your first Pap test when you’re 21 years of age. Between the ages of 21 and 65, Dr. Hooker advises getting a Pap test every 3-5 years based on your individual needs. 

You need to get tested more frequently if you’re HIV positive, you’ve smoked at any time, or if you have either a history of cervical cancer or a past test that revealed precancerous cervical cells. 

You also need to be tested more often if you’ve been exposed to a synthetic estrogen called diethylstilbestrol (DES), which was prescribed to women from the late 1930s through the early 1970s. Women whose mothers took DES are known to be at higher risk for abnormal cervical cells, as well as several other conditions, problems conceiving, and pregnancy complications. 

You may no longer need a Pap smear if you’ve over 65 or if you’ve had your cervix removed due to a hysterectomy, but again, Dr. Hooker confers with you about your individual medical history and your needs and preferences. 

Schedule your Pap test or talk about how often you should be getting one

Make an appointment to consult with Dr. Hooker about how frequently you need a Pap test by calling our office or request one with our convenient online tool

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