A Pap smear checks the cervix for cell changes that could turn into cervical cancer. Most women need one every three years from age 21. From 30, you can choose a Pap, an HPV test or both, every three or five years. A yearly well-woman exam covers more. Both are done in-clinic at Yaso Wellness.
A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. It finds cell changes early, often years before they could become cancer. When changes are found and treated, cancer can usually be prevented.
Most cervical cell changes are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), a very common virus spread through sexual contact. Many women clear HPV on their own. An HPV test can show if you have a type linked to cervical cancer.
A Pap smear does not test for other sexually transmitted infections or for ovarian or uterine cancer.
These are the national screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and CDC for women at average risk:
| Age | What's recommended |
|---|---|
| Under 21 | No screening |
| 21 to 29 | Pap test every 3 years |
| 30 to 65 | Pap test every 3 years, or HPV test every 5 years, or Pap plus HPV (co-testing) every 5 years |
| Over 65 | Most can stop after several normal results in the past 10 years |
You may need tests more often if you have had abnormal results, have HIV or a weak immune system, or were exposed to DES before birth. In December 2024 the Task Force released a draft update that would add self-collected HPV tests for women 30 to 65. Ask your clinician what fits you.
Most women feel mild discomfort or pressure, a bit like a period cramp, but not pain. The test itself takes only a few minutes. You may have light spotting afterward. If exams have been hard for you in the past, tell us. We can go slowly, use a smaller speculum, and stop whenever you ask.
A well-woman visit is your yearly preventive checkup with Leticia Vargas, MD, OB/GYN. It may include:
Exams and Pap tests are done in the clinic. Results and follow-up questions can sometimes be handled by telehealth if you are located in Texas.
Results can be normal, unclear, abnormal or "unsatisfactory." An unsatisfactory result just means the lab needs a new sample. Results can take up to three weeks.
An abnormal result usually means cell changes, most often from HPV, not cancer. Next steps depend on the type of change and your HPV result. You may need a repeat test, or a closer look at the cervix called a colposcopy. In most cases, treating serious changes prevents cervical cancer from developing.
Do I need a Pap smear every year? Most women do not. Ages 21 to 29 need one every 3 years. From 30, it can be every 3 or 5 years, depending on the test. A yearly well-woman visit is still a good idea.
Do I need a Pap smear after a hysterectomy? If your cervix was removed and you have no history of precancer or cervical cancer, you usually don't. If you still have a cervix, you do.
Is a positive HPV test the same as cancer? No. It means you have a type of HPV linked to cervical cancer. It is a reason for follow-up, not a cancer diagnosis.
Can I do a Pap smear by telehealth? No. A Pap smear needs an in-clinic exam. Some follow-up talks about results can be done by telehealth if you are located in Texas.
Book a well-woman exam or Pap smear with Leticia Vargas, MD, OB/GYN. Call (210) 903-1030 or book a visit. In-clinic in San Antonio • Telehealth for women located in Texas Yaso Wellness Health Clinic, 1907 Goliad Rd, San Antonio, TX 78223
About the clinician: Leticia Vargas, MD, OB/GYN, founder of Yaso Wellness Health Clinic. About Dr. Vargas
Education only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 911.
