A Pap smear is recommended when women reach 21 years of age. Women ages 21 to 65 should have routine screening with Pap test every 3 years.
The U.S. Task Force (USPSTF) Preventive ServicesHPV ) test starting after age 30. also recommends the option of having a human papillomavirus ( test or combining it with a Pap
Women over age 65 can stop getting screened if they’ve had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years, according to the guidelines. But women who have a history of a more advanced precancer diagnosis should continue to be screened for at least 20 years.