Whether or not pap smears are still necessary after hysterectomy depends on a number of factors. A woman's doctor can help her better understand if she should continue to undergo pap testing after hysterectomy.
Identification
One of the most important factors in determining whether or not pap smears are still necessary after hysterectomy is the type of hysterectomy that was performed. According to the Mayo Clinic and WomensHealth.gov, pap screening is still necessary if the cervix was not removed during the hysterectomy.
Considerations
If a hysterectomy---whether it was total or partial---was performed as part of cancer treatment, continued pap testing is recommended, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Time Frame
A woman's age is also a factor in determining whether continued pap smears are appropriate. The Mayo Clinic reports that women who are 65 to 70 years of age or older who have regularly had normal pap smears and who are not at increased risk for developing cervical cancer may be able to stop testing based on their doctor's advice.
Discontinuing Tests
WomensHealth.gov reports that a woman who has had a hysterectomy as part of cancer treatment may stop pap smears on her doctor's advice after having three consecutive normal pap smears.
Resuming Testing
The Mayo Clinic advises that women who have had a hysterectomy and who have stopped pap smears should resume testing if they have a new sexual partner.
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