The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released new Pap smear guidelines for women. In a study released in the December 2009 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the newly revised guidelines state that women should begin receiving their first test at age 21. This is differs from the previous standard, which called for women receiving their first Pap smear at age 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active.

ACOG’s new standards also call for screenings every other year for women between the ages of 21 and 30. Women 30 and older are now being told to have screenings every three years after they have had three clear tests in a row. Previously, the group had recommended a two to three year wait for women in this demographic. ACOG does provide a warning that women with HIV or other immune-suppressing diseases, or who have had cervical abnormalities should get more frequent tests. They are also recommending that women who have been vaccinated against HPV (human papillomavirus)–which is the virus that causes cervical cancer–follow the same guidelines as those who have not received the vaccine.

Women who have had a total hysterectomy for noncancerous reasons and have not been treated for cervical abnormalities can stop having Pap smears under the new guidelines. Those age 65 and older who have had three clear tests in a row and no abnormalities in the past 10 years can stop testing as well, which is the same as the previous standards.

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