What is the recommended interval for a Pap smear in a 36-year-old woman with a history of 3 consecutive negative Pap smears?

The recommended interval for Pap smears for a 36-year-old woman with a history of three consecutive negative Pap smears is every three years. This guideline is based on the recommendations from organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP).

For women aged 21 to 29, screening is recommended every three years with a Pap smear alone. For women aged 30 to 65, the intervals can be adjusted based on previous results. If a woman has had three consecutive negative Pap tests and no history of cervical pre-cancer or current HPV infection, screening can typically continue every three years.

The option for yearly Pap smears is not recommended in this scenario, as it is considered excessive for a woman with a solid history of negative results. Meanwhile, a Pap smear in four years is also not appropriate, as it extends the interval beyond the recommended three-year timeframe. The suggestion of no further Pap smears required is incorrect; while a strong history of negative tests is favorable, regular screening is still necessary to ensure ongoing cervical health. Thus, every three years is the appropriate and evidence-based interval.