Cervical Screening Guidelines

The current Ontario Cervical Screening Program guidelines recommend that women have a Pap test:

• Every year once you start having sex (intercourse).
• If your tests are normal for three years in a row, then you will need a Pap test every two to three years – ask your doctor or nurse about how often you should have a Pap test.
• It is important to continue having a Pap test after menopause (when your monthly periods stop). Ask your doctor or nurse if you still need a Pap test if you have had a hysterectomy (operation to remove part of or the whole uterus). Women over 70 should ask their doctor or nurse if they should still have Pap tests.