Pap Test

March 11, 2026

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Barbara Buttin, M.D., gynecologic oncologist and associate clinical professor, Department of Surgery, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Chicago.

A Pap test is a simple procedure used to detect changes in the cells on a woman’s cervix — the muscle that connects the uterus to the vagina. Pap tests are an effective way to detect cervical cancer early and to screen for other cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.

What Is a Pap Test?

During a Pap test, sometimes referred to as a Pap smear, a doctor takes a small sample of cells from a woman’s cervix and the surrounding tissue. These cell samples are then examined under a microscope to look for signs of cancer or for changes in the cervical cells. These changes are sometimes referred to as precancers. Although precancerous cells are not cancerous, they may become cancerous if they are left untreated.

How Often Should Women Get a Pap Test?

The current guidelines for Pap test screening are based on age, as detailed below.

Younger women: Women should get their first Pap test starting at age 21. If the results are normal, the test is repeated once every three years until age 29.

Women aged 30 to 65: Between age 30 and 65, women should be tested once every 5 years, provided their results are normal. Doctors may recommend a Pap test, a human papillomavirus (HPV) test — which screens for certain types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer — or a combination of both.

Older women: Women over 65 may stop getting Pap tests if they have never shown signs of precancer, have had surgery to remove their cervix (for example, a hysterectomy) or have had at least two normal HPV tests or three normal Pap tests in the past 10 years.

What to Expect During the Test

A Pap test usually takes place during a pelvic exam conducted by an obstetrician-gynecologist. During the procedure, a patient lies down and the doctor uses a medical instrument called a speculum to gently open the vagina. This allows the doctor to examine the cervix. Another instrument similar to a brush or spatula is used to remove a small sample of cells from the cervix.

How Long Does a Pap Test Take?

A Pap test is a very quick procedure that takes only a minute or two to complete.

Recovery

Recovery from a Pap test is usually fairly minimal. However, women should ask their doctor what to expect after a test and what precautions they may need to take.

Bleeding After a Pap Test

Because the cervix is made of sensitive tissue that contains lots of blood vessels, a small amount of bleeding or spotting after a Pap test is normal. It normally goes away within a day or two. However, a patient should contact their doctor if:

• Bleeding lasts for several days or longer
• Bleeding is heavier or similar to the bleeding associated with a normal period
• They experience severe pain or cramps
• They notice foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Can Women Have Sex After a Pap Test?

There are no specific guidelines on how long after a Pap test women should wait before having sex again. Patients should discuss any concerns about returning to sexual activity with their doctor.

How Long Do Pap Test Results Take?

In most cases, women should receive the results from a Pap test within a week, however, it may take up to three weeks. Whether the test is normal or abnormal has no effect on how long it takes to receive the results.

How to Read the Results

A Pap test may show either normal results or abnormal results, as follows.

A normal Pap test result: This means there are no signs of either cancer or precancers.

An abnormal Pap test result: This means there may be signs of either cancerous or precancerous cells. However, most abnormal Pap test results are not cancer.

Precancerous Cells on Pap Test

Precancers, or precancerous cells, are common and are not cancerous. However, if left untreated, they may lead to cervical cancer. If a Pap test shows signs of precancerous cells, a doctor will recommend next steps, which may vary depending on how abnormal the cells in the cervix appear.

Next steps may include performing a cervical biopsy to gather more information or remove precancers, surgery to remove parts of the cervix and surrounding tissue or simply monitoring these cell changes over time.

What Percentage of Abnormal Pap Tests Are Cancer?

Less than 1% of all abnormal Pap test results are cancer — and less than 4% of all Pap tests result in an abnormal result at all. Abnormal Pap test results are usually the result of changes to the cells of the cervix caused by HPV, a common virus that is transmitted through sexual activity. If these cell changes are relatively minor, they may resolve on their own. If they are more significant, they may be categorized as precancerous cells.