Pap Smear Test after Menopause

A Pap test is done to detect changes in the cells of the cervix that can indicate cervical cancer or cells that could lead to cancer. This test is recommended starting at age 21 and should be done routinely every three years for women ages 21 to 65. For women ages 30 to 65 who have had a normal Pap test and are negative for HPV (human papillomavirus), this test should be done every five years. This test is the best way to detect precancerous conditions and cells that may lead to cervical cancer. This cancer can be cured if caught early.

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Should I still get a Pap smear now that I’m menopausal?

Even if you’re menopausal or postmenopausal, you should still get a Pap smear. Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) for a noncancerous condition and have no history of tests that show precancerous conditions can stop getting Pap smears. This depends on their history and risk of HPV. A woman can stop getting Pap smears if she’s 65 to 70 years old and has had at least 3 normal Pap smears in a row and no abnormal Pap tests in the past 10 years.

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How often should I have a Pap smear now that I’m menopausal?

If you’ve had three normal Pap tests in a row,
If you have no history of precancerous conditions,
If you don’t have HIV infection,
If you don’t have a weak immune system and don’t have a family history of cancer,
You should have this test every three years.
But women who are at high risk of cancer
should have Pap smears more frequently.
Your doctor will tell you the best time to have them.

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