Why Is Pap Smear Done?

Why it's done. A Pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer. The Pap smear is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. In women older than age 30, the Pap test may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer.

Are Pap smears really necessary?

Here are the recommendations for women who are at average risk for cervical cancer: Under the age of 21: No pap smear necessary. 21 to 29: Pap smear required once every three years. 30 to 65: Pap smear required every three years or a combination of a Pap smear and HPV test every five years.

When getting a Pap smear what are they looking for?

The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.