Cervical cancer screening (known as a Pap test) should be done at appropriate time intervals. Since cervical cancer screening includes risks such as bleeding, pain, or infection, and could have an impact on future pregnancies, it should not be done more than needed.. Unneeded screening also contributes to the high costs of health care.
You should speak with your doctor about your risk for cervical cancer and how often screening should be a part of your care. Your screening history and age will guide the discussion and the next steps in your care. Women ages 21-65 should have a Pap test done every three years. Women ages 30-65 who would like to be tested less may opt to have a Pap test in combination with an HPV screening every 5 years.