Begin having regular Pap tests starting at age 25, or 3 years after becoming sexually active, whichever is later. For example:
- If you’re 17 and are already sexually active: You don’t need to start having Pap tests until you’re 25.
- If you’re not sexually active until 25: You don’t need to start having Pap tests until you’re 28.
A pap test is where a health care provider takes a sample of cells from the cervix (the narrow passage at the bottom of the uterus that connects to the vagina) to make sure it’s healthy. Abnormal cells or cell changes can show up if someone has HPV, a common infection. The changes often get better on their own. However, they may lead to cancer if they persist and are not treated. Because it often takes a long time before they become cancer, regular Pap tests will usually catch the changes in time to be treated.