|
When Should I Have a Pap Test?
- About 3 years after beginning to have sex
- No later than age 21, even if you are not having sex.
- At least once every 3 years. Depending on the results, your
doctor may suggest getting tested more often than that.
- If you are 65 years old or older, talk to your doctor about
whether or not you should keep having Pap tests. Your
doctor will tell you how often you should get one. This
will depend on the results of your previous tests.
- If you had a "total hysterectomy" (pronounced hiss-ter-
EK-toe-mee), you do not need a Pap test. However, you
should have the Pap test if the surgery was done to treat
pre-cancer.
| A total hysterectomy is the removal of both the uterus and
cervix. Some women may not know what type of hysterectomy
they had. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor to find out if
you still need a Pap test. |
|
Consuelo:
My
husband died 15 years
ago. Do I still have to get
a Pap test?
|
Doctor Vargas: "Yes,
because you can have
cervical cancer even if
you are not currently
having sex."
|
|
Consuelo: I am a
grandmother. I do not get my
period anymore. Do I have to get
a Pap test anyway?
|
Nurse Vivian: "Yes,
because cervical
cancer can appear
after menopause."
|
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