Women should start Pap smear screening at age Between the ages of , women whose Pap smears are normal only need it repeated every three years. Women ages 30 and over should have testing for the human papillomavirus HPV with their Pap smear. HPV is the cause of cervical cancer. Women under age 30 are not tested for the virus because 80 percent of sexually active women will have this virus.
Most women clear it once they are in their 30s. Once we confirm that the virus is not present, that patient can extend the duration between her Pap smears even further, to every five years though she should still have an annual gynecological exam. We strongly recommend that both girls and boys be vaccinated against HPV at age We can make cervical cancer much less common in just one generation! Prioritize your checkups, not just your annual trip to the gynecologist but also for all your other physicians and specialists.
However, the great thing about annual checkups is that they are annual—so you only have to go once a year. A wellness visit is fast and easy for an expert gynecologist like Dr. Susan Fox, and it involves a pap smear and a pelvic exam. While you may not feel the need to go to a doctor if everything seems fine, it is of the utmost importance to be proactive and continue annual checkups so that your gynecologist can detect any conditions as early as possible.
While you may have a hard time picking a date now, if your schedule tends to change often, remember that you can always reschedule. Sometimes it is very useful to visit your gynecologist to discuss topics such as birth control, normal expectations for menstrual cycles and pregnancy planning. In general, an annual exam is recommended yearly once a woman is over 18 years old. An exam should include a breast exam and a pelvic exam not necessarily a pap smear as detailed above.
At 21 years of age it is recommended that a woman start having pap smears. Assuming the pap smear is normal no abnormal cells seen then a repeat pap smear is recommended 3 years later. If you are not sexually active or are hesitant to have a pap smear or speculum exam, it is reasonable to discuss theses concerns with your provider and to come up with a customized plan that is best for you.
Between years of age some providers choose to check an HPV test in place of a pap smear. This is performed in the same manner, during a speculum exam. Over 65 years of age, pap smears and HPV testing may no longer be necessary depending on your previous results.
The HPV vaccine has also helped change the frequency of cervical cancer. Though many young men and women have received the HPV vaccine, the recommendations for pap smears has not changed based on whether someone has had the HPV vaccine. It is best to discuss the screening guidelines specific to your age and your previous history with your health care provider.
My goals as a physician have included educating and being transparent with my patients about their diagnosis and treatment options.
A team approach to pelvic pain and endometriosis has been proven to be most effective therefore, empowering my patients with accurate and evidence based information is essential to demystifying this often misunderstood condition.
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