Pap smears arent much fun, now comes a report saying many women are having them unnecessarily. It seems that only 22% of primary doctors surveyed are followed the recommended guidelines for performing paps. The guidelines were last updated more than five years ago, so its not like this is all new info. And for some reason, doctors arent UNDERtesting, they are OVERtesting, doing annual paps on women across all age groups and circumstances.
Here's what the guidelines say:
First pap at age 21, or three years after they have sexual relations, whichever comes first.
Yearly paps thereafter until age 30, at which point the frequency can drop to every 2-3 years after three normal consecutive paps.
Can also stop having paps at age 65-70, if previous tests have been normal. Also can stop if have had a total hysterectomy for a non cancerous condition.
This doesnt mean you can stop having regular checkups. Its a good time to have a breast exam, blood pressure check, and other routine health screening.
