How Often Should I Have A Pap Smear?

Pap smears are normally performed once a year. Current guidelines recommend that pap smears be started at 21 years of age, or sooner if a woman is sexually active before age 21. Sometimes it is necessary to perform paps more frequently if a patient has an abnormal pap. Having a hysterectomy does not necessarily mean an annual pap smear is not needed. Often it IS needed, especially if there is a history of abnormal paps, cervical cancer, or endometrial cancer.