When it comes to simple, effective ways to take care of your long-term health, Pap smears are at the top of the list. But they can also feel a little confusing. How often do they need to happen? Does it change after you hit certain milestones like 30, 40, or even menopause?

Summit Health OB/GYNs Jackie Xiang, MD, and Julianne Biroschak, MD, break down everything you need to know about when to get tested—and why it matters. By staying informed and following the right schedule, you can make Pap smears a seamless part of your care routine.

“A Pap smear is one of the easiest ways to take charge of your health,” explains Dr. Xiang. “It’s quick, it’s simple, and it has saved countless lives by helping us catch and treat cervical changes early.”

What Is a Pap Smear, and Why Is It Important?

A Pap smear is a screening that checks for tiny changes in the cells of your cervix, which is the narrow opening at the bottom of your uterus. During the test, a small sample of cells is gently collected by your doctor and sent to a lab for review.

“Think of it as an early warning system,” says Dr. Biroschak. “Abnormal cervical cells don’t always cause symptoms right away. A Pap smear helps us spot those changes before they turn into something more serious—like cervical cancer.”

And the numbers back it up. The widespread use of Pap smears has helped dramatically lower rates of cervical cancer over the past few decades.

“Beyond cancer prevention, Pap smears can also give us valuable information about your overall cervical health,” adds Dr. Xiang. “It’s one quick snapshot of how things are going, and if there are any concerns, we can take action right away.”

It’s a small investment of time that can yield major benefits. Yet many women aren’t sure whether they’re up to date on their screenings—or if they even still need them. That’s where understanding the current guidelines can make all the difference.

How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear?

The right Pap smear frequency depends on your age, overall health, and medical history. Here are the general recommendations experts follow:

Ages 21–29

“Screening should begin at age 21 and continue every three years if results are normal,” says Dr. Xiang. “This is because most young women are at relatively low risk, so frequent testing isn’t usually necessary.”

Ages 30–65

For women in their 30s and beyond, there’s some flexibility in how often you get tested. You can stick with a Pap smear every three years, or you might switch to co-testing, which pairs a Pap smear with an HPV test. HPV is the virus most commonly linked to cervical cancer.

“Co-testing is a great option if you want that extra layer of reassurance,” Dr. Biroschak explains. “We often recommend it every five years if both tests are normal.”

Age 65 and Older

At this stage, screening might not be necessary anymore—but it isn’t one-size-fits-all. “If your Pap smears have been normal for several years and you don’t have a history of cervical abnormalities, you can typically stop testing after age 65,” says Dr. Xiang. “Still, you should always discuss it with your doctor to make sure it’s the right call based on your health history.”

Special Cases: If you’ve had abnormal Pap results, cervical cancer, or risk factors like a weakened immune system, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing at any age. 

“It’s important to remember that these guidelines are just that—guidelines,” emphasizes Dr. Biroschak. “Your doctor is there to customize your care plan so it works for you.”

Do You Still Need Pap Smears After Menopause?

One of the most common questions doctors get is whether Pap smears are still necessary after menopause. The answer depends on your individual health and history.

“There’s a big myth that menopause means no more Pap smears, but that’s not necessarily true,” says Dr. Xiang. Here’s what you need to know:

• If you’re over 65 and have a track record of normal results, it’s possible you won’t need Pap smears anymore.
• However, if you’ve dealt with abnormal results, cervical cancer, or risk factors like smoking, you’ll likely need continued screenings.

Had a hysterectomy? Your situation may differ based on the reason for the procedure. “If your uterus and cervix were removed for non-cancer reasons, you probably don’t need Pap smears anymore,” Dr. Biroschak explains. “But if cancer was the reason, follow-up screening is still a must.”

Even if Pap smears are no longer required, regular gynecologic care shouldn’t stop as you age. “We may shift the focus away from cervical screenings, but there are other aspects of women’s health we still need to monitor,” says Dr. Xiang.

Feeling unsure? Talk to your doctor to figure out exactly what’s appropriate for your age and health needs.

The Bottom Line on Protecting Your Health

Navigating health tests like Pap smears can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to be. Dr. Biroschak puts it simply: “The best way to stay on track is to have an open conversation with your doctor. Together, you can map out a plan that feels right for you.”

When cervical cancer is caught early, it’s one of the most treatable cancers. Pap smears remain an essential tool for staying ahead of potential issues and taking care of your overall health. Plus, the process itself is quick and straightforward.

“It’s five minutes out of your day that can make a lifetime of difference,” says Dr. Xiang. “That’s time well spent in my book.”

Start Today with Personalized Care

Whether you’re booking your first Pap smear or figuring out what’s next after menopause, the gynecology team at Summit Health is here to guide you every step of the way. Our experts are committed to providing care that’s personal, accessible, and seamless.

“Your health needs change over time, and that’s okay,” says Dr. Biroschak. “We’re here to help you adapt, problem-solve, and feel confident every step of the way.”

Schedule your next screening today—and take the next step toward a healthier, more informed you.