At what age should women begin receiving Pap smears?

Women should begin receiving Pap smears at age 21, according to guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This recommendation is based on evidence showing that cervical cancer is quite rare in individuals under 21, likely due to the fact that most young women clear human papillomavirus (HPV) infections naturally without needing screening.

Starting screening at age 21 ensures that women are evaluated for cervical abnormalities when they are closer to the age when these issues are more likely to be detected and when intervention might be necessary. Before age 21, the cellular changes that might indicate the need for treatment are often transient and do not usually lead to cancer.

Screening at a younger age could lead to unnecessary interventions and psychological stress for the individual, as well as increased healthcare costs. The guidelines recommend continuing Pap smears every three years through age 29. For those aged 30 and older, co-testing with HPV testing is also recommended, extending the interval between screenings if both tests are normal.