Final answer:
Pap smears are medical tests used to screen for cervical cancer. Guidelines for a Pap smear include starting at age 21, repeating every few years, and discontinuing after age 65 with normal results. Pap smears can be done during pregnancy but not during menstruation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Guidelines for a Pap Smear
A Pap smear is a medical test used to screen for cervical cancer. Here are some guidelines for a Pap smear:
- Start receiving routine Pap smears by age 21 if sexually active.
- Repeat Pap smears every three years until age 50, and then every five years until age 65.
- Screening may be discontinued after age 65 if the last three Pap smears were normal.
- Pap smears can be done safely during the first several months of pregnancy.
- Avoid scheduling Pap smears during menstruation for better results.