How often should a woman aged 20-39 undergo a PAP test with HPV cotesting?

The recommended guideline for women aged 20-39 is to undergo a PAP test with HPV cotesting every five years. This approach balances the need for screening with the potential for unnecessary procedures, minimizing risks associated with overly frequent testing. The combination of the PAP test and HPV testing is more effective for detecting cervical changes than either test alone.

In this age group, biennial screening (every two years) may be appropriate with just the PAP test, but current recommendations suggest that the co-testing option can extend the interval to five years, enhancing early detection while reducing the frequency of the tests.

Frequent screening, such as annually, may lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of conditions that might have resolved on their own, which is a consideration in managing cervical health. Therefore, screening every five years through HPV cotesting is aligned with established guidelines to provide safe and effective monitoring of cervical health.