Pelvic exam with pap smear

A pelvic exam with a Pap smear is a routine screening test recommended to check for early evidence of pelvic cancer, such as ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer. It is also an exam for the early detection of HPV and other STDs. An external exam is performed first before a sample of the cervical cells are taken using a speculum into the vagina. It is recommended that women between 21 to 29 years repeat the test every 3 years if the previous tests were normal. From age 30 to 35 years it is recommended to have a Pap smear every 3 years or a Pap smear and an HPV test every 5 years. Women over 65 years do not need more screening if the last 3 Pap smears or 3 HPV tests were all negative.