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A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women that involves collecting cells from the cervix.

Women over 65 who have had regular screening with normal results may no longer need Pap smears, but those with a history of cervical problems may still require monitoring.

Women under 21, those with a total hysterectomy for benign reasons, and those over 65 without a history of cervical problems may not require Pap smear testing.

Alternatives include HPV DNA testing, which looks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains that may lead to cervical cancer, and liquid-based cytology.

Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and have no history of cervical cancer or precancerous lesions typically do not need further Pap smears.

It is recommended that women begin Pap smear testing at age 21 and continue every three years until age 65, or as directed by their healthcare provider.

After an abnormal Pap smear, further testing (like a colposcopy or a biopsy) is often required to determine the cause and severity of the abnormal cells.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. Certain strains of HPV are known to cause the majority of cervical cancer cases.

Pap smear steps include: scheduling during non-menstrual times, no intercourse or vaginal treatments 24-48 hours before, lying on the exam table, insertion of a speculum, collection of cervical cells, and lab analysis.

Pap smear results can be normal, showing no abnormal cells, or they can indicate atypical cells, low-grade or high-grade lesions, or cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination can protect against the strains of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer and genital warts, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.