01/07/2026
"The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) plays a key role in developing guidelines for cervical cancer screening, including the use of HPV testing. ASCCP's guidelines recommend primary HPV testing every 5 years for women aged 25-65, or co-testing (HPV and Pap test) every 5 years, or Pap test alone every 3 years. For women aged 21-29, cytology (Pap test) alone every 3 years is recommended, though primary HPV testing can be considered."
That every 5 year testing is a swab you can do yourself, in many cases!
If you're interested in finding out more, you can self-schedule an annual exam online: https://www.anacortesmidwiferycare.com/appointments