Women's Health Cervical Screening by Age: What Tests You Need and When
An age-based guide to cervical screening, explaining which tests are recommended at different life stages and why guidelines change over time.
Key Points
- Screening recommendations change with age
- Younger women clear HPV more easily
- Risk persists into later life
- Stopping too early increases cancer risk
Typical Screening Timeline
Under 25
- Often no screening or Pap smear only
- HPV infections are common and transient
Ages 25–29
- HPV test every 5 years or
- Pap smear every 3 years
Ages 30–49
- Primary HPV testing every 5 years
- Co-testing in some regions
Ages 50–64
- Continued HPV screening
- Risk remains despite menopause
Over 65
- Screening may stop only if prior tests were consistently normal