You may have seen the recent headlines:

“U.S. Endorses Home Pap-Smear Alternative to Prevent Cervical Cancer” - Wall Street Journal

“Dread Pap Smears? Federal Guidelines Now Allow for a Self-Swab HPV Test” - NBC News

“Health Dept. Endorses Pap Smear Alternative“- New York Times

“A New Endorsement for HPV Self-Tests Marks Another Major Shift in Women’s Health” - Flow Space

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What does this mean?

Cervical cancer screening guidelines, which are written by leading medical institutions, were recently updated. These guidelines inform women and medical providers as to who is recommended to screen and how often.

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Screening guidelines get revised periodically, when research evidence supports an update. You may remember when the guidelines changed from screening every year to every 3-5 years. This was due to the introduction of HPV testing vs Pap smears alone. 

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Below are the recent updates that made headlines:

• December 2025: The American Cancer Society updated their cervical cancer screening guidelines to add self-collection in-clinic and at-home for Primary HPV testing as trusted and accurate alternatives to screening in-clinic with the traditional speculum exam.
• January 2026: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services followed the American Cancer Society and endorsed self-collection Primary HPV testing in-clinic and at-home. Additionally, they are requiring insurers to cover the cost of self-collection by January 2027.
• January 2026: The ASCCP, which had previously provided follow-up testing guidance for self-collection Primary HPV testing, updated their guidelines to include the Teal Wand.

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Why is this important?

These guideline updates mark the first time in history, since the Pap was introduced in the 1940’s (80+ years ago), that women of average risk for cervical cancer:

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• Have options for how their cervical cancer screening sample is collected. They are no longer required to have a speculum exam for the Primary HPV test, which is the recommended test for cervical cancer screening. 
• Can complete the screening privately from home. 

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Research within the U.S. and globally demonstrates that self-collection has the ability to increase screening rates and decrease cervical cancer cases. It can even be a driver in the efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern. This couldn’t have come at a better time as screening rates in the U.S. have been declining for the last decade and more cervical cancer cases are being diagnosed in 30-44 year old women.

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What is self-collection for cervical cancer screening?

First, let's define what cervical cancer screening is. It is a preventive cancer screening, often called the Pap. To screen for cervical cancer, a sample is collected and tested for the presence of HPV (the virus that causes cervical cancer) and/or cervical cell changes (precancer or cancer). Traditionally, this screening has been performed in a clinic with a clinician collecting the sample from the cervix, but now HPV testing can also be accomplished with self-collection. 

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Self-collection means you, the patient, are able to use an FDA-authorized device to collect the sample from your vagina instead of the provider collecting a sample from your cervix using the speculum and brush. It is a much more comfortable and private experience, which can be done at home through Teal Health or in the clinic (if the provider has it available). The self-collected sample is then sent to the lab for HPV testing, just like a clinician-collected sample.

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• Self-collected: Vaginal sample collected by the patient and tested on the same Primary HPV test that the clinic uses. Can be done in-clinic or at-home. An in-clinic speculum exam is not required, unless HPV is detected and follow-up steps are needed, such as a Pap (to look for cell changes on cervix) or a colposcopy.‍
• Clinician-collected: Cervical sample that is collected using the speculum and brush, usually requiring the patient to undress and place feet in stirrups. Must be done in a clinic. This sample can be used for an HPV test and/or a Pap test. If follow-up steps are needed, a colposcopy will be requested.

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What does this mean for Teal Health?

Teal Health, which received the first and only FDA-authorization for their Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is now written into the screening guidelines, giving women more confidence in their decision to complete this critical screening from the comfort and convenience of home. 

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The Teal Wand is a prescription device and therefore a brief 10-minute virtual visit with a Teal provider is required prior to getting the kit shipped to your house. Today, Teal works with most major insurance plans to cover the virtual visit and lab processing fees. There is a cost for the kit today, however Teal is working with insurers to expand coverage.

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Anything else you should know?

Not all of the leading medical institutions have the exact same screening guidance, which can be confusing. They all include self-collection Primary HPV testing as an accurate screening alternative, however the screening ages differ slightly between them:

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• American Cancer Society: Recommends Primary HPV testing for women 25-65 years of age. Last updated December 2025.
• Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Recommends Primary HPV testing for women 30-65 years of age. Last updated January 2026.
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): Recommends Pap smears (cytology) for women 21-29 years and Primary HPV testing for 30-65 year olds. Still awaiting a final update from their 2018 guidelines. A draft update is here.

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Ready to screen?

If you are interested in screening at-home, Teal Health follows the American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines, stating 25-65 year olds are eligible. To complete the medical eligibility and order your at-home screening kit, visit this page (takes about 5 minutes).

There is a persistent paradox in American women’s health. We have the vaccines and the diagnostic technology to make cervical cancer a historical footnote, yet it remains a present-day reality. Despite being nearly 100% preventable, cervical cancer rates are increasing among women aged 30 to 44.

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For decades, the screening experience remained largely unchanged, until now.

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Today, we are proud to announce that Teal Health’s at-home screening and telehealth platform are now available across all 50 states.

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This national expansion means that a clinically accurate, FDA-authorized cervical cancer screening can finally be completed entirely on a woman's own schedule, regardless of where she lives. By moving the initial screen to a self-collected, at-home model, we are removing the friction- such as childcare, time off work, and speculum exams—that has kept women underscreened for years.

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A look back at our journey thus far 

Reaching all 50 states wasn't an overnight achievement; it is the culmination of a monumental 2025. Last year was dedicated to cementing our clinical foundation and evolving the standard of care so that we could deliver this solution to you today.

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In 2025, we achieved several historic milestones that made this national rollout possible:

• FDA Authorization: On May 9, 2025, the Teal Wand became the first and only self-collection device authorized for at-home cervical cancer screening.
• Clinical Validation: Our results, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that the Teal Wand detected cervical precancer 96% of the time, equal to clinician-collected samples. Perhaps most importantly, 94% of participants preferred our self-collection method.
• New Guidelines: In December, the American Cancer Society and in January HRSA updated their guidelines to specify that primary hrHPV screening is the preferred screening method, and both recommend patient-collected as a screening option for average-risk women, with most private plans required to cover the screening and any necessary follow-up beginning January 1, 2027.

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Our work was even recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2025 and by Fast Company for our design innovation. 

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Closing the Information Gap

While expanding access is critical, a complete medical system also requires clear communication. The medical community often uses confusing terminology—HPV testing, Pap smears, cytology—that leaves many women unsure of what they need.

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That is why, alongside our national expansion, we are launching a unified PSA campaign with industry trailblazers including Kindbody, Wisp, Midi Health, and Maven Clinicfor Cervical Cancer Awareness month this January. Our message is straightforward: HPV test, Pap smear, cervical cancer screening; however you say it, just don’t delay it.

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A New Reality for 2026

We often hear about the elimination of diseases in a theoretical sense. With cervical cancer, the path is actually visible. We now have the tools, the clinical evidence, and the national footprint to close the screening gap.

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If you have been putting off your screening because the traditional process did not work for you, 2026 is the year to prioritize your health. Together, we can finally close the screening gap and make the elimination of cervical cancer a reality.

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The vagina is an amazing self-cleaning, self-lubricating, tubular muscle (a.k.a. the birth canal), but when something is not quite right, you notice pain, itching, discharge, or odor, one of the most common reasons is a group of conditions called “vaginitis.”

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What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis refers to inflammation or infection of the vagina. Symptoms can range from very mild to severe and can include vaginal itching, irritation, discharge, or vaginal odor. 

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The most common infectious causes include yeast (candida), bacterial vaginosis (from a group of bacterial overgrowth), and sexually transmitted infections (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, trichomonas).   

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You can also have non-infectious vaginitis from exposure to allergens/irritants or with the lower estrogen changes of menopause.

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Who is more likely to get vaginitis?

You may have an increased risk of getting vaginal infections if you have an altered immune system (ie. HIV, poorly controlled diabetes), a shift in normal vaginal flora (ie. after using antibiotics), hormonal changes (ie pregnancy, menopause), exposure from a partner (for those types transmitted sexually),  or a change in personal hygiene.

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What are the symptoms and treatments of vaginitis?

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Infectious types: 

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Bacterial vaginosis - an overgrowth of several different bacteria 

• Symptoms: thin/watery, white/green/gray vaginal discharge, irritation, fishy odor
• Treatment: antibiotic pills by mouth or a gel/cream you apply to the vaginal area

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Yeast infection - overgrowth of yeast, usually Candida albicans (less commonly Candida glabrata)

• Symptoms: thick, white, vaginal discharge, itching, redness of vulvovaginal area‍
• Treatment: antifungal pills by mouth or a cream/insert applied directly to the vaginal area

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Trichomonas - a parasite from a sex partner (men often have no symptoms)

• Symptoms: frothy, green/yellow discharge, irritation, itching‍
• Treatment: antibiotic pills by mouth

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Herpes - a virus (type 1 or 2 ) from skin-to-skin contact with a sex partner

• Symptoms: blisters → ulcers, pain, itching‍
• Treatment: antiviral pills by mouth, taken if you have an outbreak, or also taken daily to prevent outbreaks

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Gonorrhea / Chlamydia - bacteria from exposure to an infected sex partner

• Symptoms: you may have no symptoms or you can have vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation, abdominal pain, and/or pain with sex.‍
• Treatment: antibiotics by mouth

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Non-infectious types:

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Allergens/irritants - usually from exposure to products used in the vaginal area such as spermicide, douches, pads, perfumes, scented soaps, or fabric softeners.  

• Symptoms: irritation, itching, odorless discharge‍
• Treatment: avoid irritants, topical steroid cream applied to the vaginal area, or antihistamines

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Low estrogen states - perimenopause/ postmenopause or postpartum 

• Symptoms: vaginal dryness, itching, pain with intercourse‍
• Treatment: vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, or estrogen cream/inserts applied to the vaginal area

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What can I do to stay healthy down there? 

• Practice good vaginal hygiene 
• Wipe front to back
• Wash the vagina with water only, gentle unscented soap if needed
• Avoid scented soaps/detergents/pads/dryer sheets
• Avoid douching
• Wear breathable underwear (cotton)
• Change out of wet workout clothes/swimwear ASAP
• Use condoms each time you have sexual intercourse to help reduce the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection or disease (STI/STD)
• Urinate after sexual intercourse - this flushes out the urethra (the tube from the bladder), reducing bacterial exposure.
• Treat vaginal dryness related to low estrogen with lubricants, moisturizers, or topical estrogen therapy.

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Today, the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated their cervical cancer screening guidelines to include self-collected samples, either done at-home with Teal or in the office, for Primary HPV (Human papillomavirus) testing. Their guidelines were last updated in 2020, when they recommended Primary HPV testing as the preferred test for cervical cancer screening, with co-test (Pap and HPV) as acceptable when Primary HPV testing is not available.

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The American Cancer Society stated: 

“Cervical cancer screening recommendations from the ACS and other organizations have changed over time, driven by improved understanding of the disease's natural progression, the recognized role of high-risk HPV infection, and advancements in screening technologies”

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Look for FDA Authorized Label

The ACS cervical cancer screening guideline includes only FDA-approved combinations of HPV assays (tests) and collection devices - this includes Teal Health’s FDA-authorized Teal Wand, which allows a woman to collect her own sample at home and mail it to the lab to test on an FDA-approved HPV test. The Teal Wand is the only FDA-authorized device for at-home cervical cancer screening. The Teal Wand self-collection device stood out in the guideline evidence as having the highest clinical sensitivity to detect cervical precancer at 96%, equal to that of clinician collection. 

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“This guideline update by the ACS is a huge leap forward in recognizing the importance of expanding options for women to get screened,” states Liz Swenson, MD, OBGYN and Medical Director at Teal Health. “Women look to the ACS as the leader in cancer prevention and research. And it's important for women to know that there is a trusted and accurate at-home option, Teal Health, that has gone through the FDA. We are honored to play our role in making cervical cancer screening more accessible and comfortable for women as we all work to eliminate cervical cancer.” 

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Below are the updated screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society:

• 25 to 65 year olds with a cervix (has not had a total hysterectomy) should screen every 3 years with self-collected samples or every 5 years with clinician-collected samples (using the speculum).
• The recommended test to be performed is the Primary HPV test. If this test is not available, the co-test is considered acceptable.

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In addition to adding self-collection to their guidelines, ACS also updated their guidance on when individuals can safely stop being screened for cervical cancer. 

• Individuals with an average risk for developing cervical cancer may stop screening after having normal results at the appropriate interval between the ages of 55-65. The last test should be done at age 65 or later.  
• This includes primary HPV testing every 3-5 years (preferred), a co-test every 5 years, or cytology every 3 years.

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You can see the ACS’ new guidelines here.
For a quick comparison of the updates between ACS’ 2020 and 2025 guidelines, see their news release and for more information on the move to self-collection, see the American Cancer Society’s paper here. 

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Please note that cervical cancer screening guideline recommendations apply only to average-risk individuals. Depending on your health history or screening history, your provider may advise you to screen at different intervals. Average risk individuals in this guideline are defined as (must fulfill all 3):

1. Has a cervix
2. Asymptomatic (i.e., does not have abnormal bleeding or other symptoms concerning cervical cancer for which a more thorough workup is required)
3. Screening for the first time or has a history of all normal cervical cancer screening results in the past; OR has a remote history of abnormal results that has been followed by a sufficient amount of normal testing that the individual fulfills criteria to resume routine cervical cancer screening based on follow-up recommendations from the Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines

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To order the Teal Wand at-home cervical cancer screening kit, visit www.getteal.com. It works with major insurance plans and is HSA/FSA eligible.

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Cervical cancer screening guidelines are developed by organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS) as well as other leading organizations, such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Understanding your family history is important because your current and future health can be impacted by your family history. The more you know about your genetic predispositions, the more your provider knows where to focus their attention.

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“Family history is critical because some cancers are familial, which means they are genetically inherited. As doctors, we’re looking for patterns to identify those at high risk. If we have this information, we can refer a patient for genetic counseling or early screening.”

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What to ask family members (and write down)

If possible, ask family members about the history of cancer and other serious illnesses on both sides, at least as far back as your grandparents. This includes parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. If you learn of cancers or illnesses that go back further than that, please share those details with your provider. 

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We know there are barriers to learning family history and that details can be hard to recall, so it’s important to record anything you learn. It’s also important to tell your provider about aspects of your family history you don’t know about.

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When it comes to cancer, providers will want to know:

• The relationship (parent, aunt/uncle, or grandparent), and whether the relation is on your maternal (mother’s) or paternal (father’s) side
• Type of cancer diagnosed and how advanced (if known)
• Age at diagnosis (even an approximate age is helpful)
• Family history of high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, blood clots, or propensity for strokes may also be relevant, as these can impact a provider’s decision about prescribing hormones or certain contraceptives

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Most cancers are not hereditary

Fortunately, only 5-10% of cancers are caused by inherited cancer gene mutations. These include certain breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Those patients who carry a genetic mutation can have a much higher risk of developing cancer, so it is important to find out as much as you can about your family health history.  Please share any details that you can regarding your family history. Your provider will use this information to help determine if you are at a higher risk for cancer and might benefit from genetic counseling. 

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For example:

• Cervical cancer: not typically linked to genetics. Most often, this is caused by a persistent HPV infection.
• Hereditary breast cancer: typically shows up at younger ages, pre-menopause.  If there is a known family history with this pattern, or other signs of an inherited genetic mutation, your doctor may recommend additional screening, starting at an earlier age.

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Hereditary ovarian cancer: Pelvic ultrasounds and/or blood tests may be recommended every six to twelve months for those with a family history of ovarian cancer or known genetic predisposition. Testing is not generally recommended without these risk factors.

Women’s bodies are miraculous and complicated, and our needs, concerns, lifestyles, and risks change as we age. These changes are often referred to as life stages, based on the reproductive cycle, beginning with menstruation and continuing through menopause. 

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In addition to reviewing lifestyle habits and mental well-being, below are a few of the most common life stage topics for 25-35 year olds to be aware of and discuss with your provider. 

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• Family History and Genetic Counseling
• Cervical Cancer Screening
• Sexual Health (STD/STI Testing)
• Family Planning (Birth Control)
• Fertility and Egg Freezing
• Postpartum

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This is intended to be a guide. Not all topics apply to everyone.

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Family History and Genetic Counseling

Fortunately, only 5-10% of cancers are caused by inherited cancer gene mutations. These include certain breast and ovarian cancers from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.  Those patients who carry a genetic mutation can have a much higher risk of developing cancer, so it is important to know as much as you can about your family health history.  For more detailed information, see our article, Family Health History: What to Track and Why.

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For those at high risk based on family history, you may be referred to genetic counseling to decide whether testing is appropriate, and so you can work with a specialist to be monitored more closely. 

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Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screenings are critical for anyone 25-65 years of age who has an intact cervix (has not had a full hysterectomy). Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus). The Primary HPV test looks for high-risk HPV (hrHPV), which can cause changes to the cervix if it persists over several years. 

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Your current and past results will determine your screening schedule. According to the self-collection guidelines from the American Cancer Society:

• If you have a history of normal results, it is recommended that you screen yourself (self-collect) with a primary HPV test every 3 years. 
• If you have a history of abnormal results in the past 2 years, in most cases, we will recommend that you screen again in 1 year to keep an eye on the infection (which can be dormant), and you can connect with a Teal provider to discuss further.
• If your results are abnormal, you should connect with a Teal medical provider to discuss whether additional tests or procedures are needed. Follow-up care is critical to ensuring HPV infections do not progress. 

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The above screening timelines are in accordance with the American Cancer Society for a self-collected Primary HPV test (including at-home screening). For detailed screening guidelines for at-home vs in-person, please see our Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines.

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Sexual Health (STD/STI Testing)

Beginning in your 20s (or earlier), an OB/GYN or specialized nurse practitioner may ask questions about your sexual health. While this discussion may feel personal and private, a provider’s questions are intended to discover whether you are sexually active, if you are at risk for an unplanned pregnancy, or at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs/STIs).

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For sexually active people, 25 years of age and older, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends yearly STD/STI tests if you are at an increased risk, such as having new or multiple partners. This is most commonly a blood or urine test.

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For more information on testing and treatment, see our article on Sexually Transmitted Infections.

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Family Planning (Birth Control)

Beginning in your 20s (or earlier) and continuing through your 30s and 40s, family planning — or use of contraceptives — may be a topic that you bring to your provider, or that your provider raises to discuss protecting yourself from pregnancy and/or to help manage your menstrual cycle.

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Your provider can help determine the best method for you and will consider factors like:

• What type of birth control best fits with your lifestyle
• The best hormonal content for you
• How soon you may want to consider trying for pregnancy 

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For more information on birth control options, see our article on Birth Control Methods.

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Fertility and Egg Freezing

Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, fertility becomes a discussion even before you begin trying to have a baby. The option of egg freezing (called oocyte cryopreservation) is something to consider discussing with your provider if you are not quite ready to become pregnant. 

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Once you are ready to start trying, there are a few considerations for your fertility journey, such as starting prenatal vitamins, using fertility tracking apps, or ovulation testing kits to increase the chances of pregnancy. 

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• If under 35 years of age with regular menstrual cycles, it’s recommended to try for pregnancy for a year before testing for fertility issues.   
• 35-39 years of age, you may be offered testing at the six-month mark of trying.

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If you are having abnormal periods or not seeing signs of ovulation, you should seek an evaluation right away, regardless of age.

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Depending on the outcome of your evaluation, your provider can review fertility treatment options and refer you to a fertility specialist. Once you are pregnant, you’ll have a separate series of visits with your OB/GYN until delivery.

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Postpartum

Postpartum refers to the time period after you deliver a baby. 

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After having a baby, you will have a postpartum visit with your OBGYN 4-6 weeks after delivery. This visit is to check in on how your body is recovering from either a vaginal or Cesarean (surgical) birth. During this time, your body works to repair any injury from tears or incisions and to return to your pre-pregnancy state.

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However, the period of postpartum extends for the full year after birth as your body continues to undergo changes:

• The uterus takes up to two months to shrink back to pre-pregnancy size, and while the abdominal wall is relaxed, most of the muscle tone returns after several weeks.
• Stretch marks will fade, though some are permanent. 
• Postpartum hair loss often starts one to five months after giving birth and typically resolves naturally between 6 to 15 months postpartum. 
• Women can lose about half their pregnancy weight in the first six weeks post-delivery, then usually lose at a slower pace the following months. 
• Most women will get a period again by three months postpartum, though a percentage of those who exclusively breastfeed may not have a period for a year or more. 
• Ovulation can still occur during this time, so contraception is recommended if pregnancy prevention is a goal. 

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