Question

At what point in a patients life could you discontinue *pap smears*?

(assume that patient still has a uterus)

Answer 1

Pap smears should be repeated every three years starting at age 21 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.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to general guidelines, Pap smears should be repeated every three years starting at age 21 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. If a person has had a complete hysterectomy or a history of abnormal Pap smears or cancer, they may need to be screened more frequently. It is also important to continue receiving Pap smears even if you have received the HPV vaccine, as there is still a small risk of developing cervical cancer.