Ladies - abnormal pap

[Christine]

I believe the guidelines where changed several years ago to having it only done every 3-5 years if you are low risk. If you have any sort of "history" though, they will do it annually. I am still having one annually as that's what my GYN wants and I think they used my "thyroid cancer" history to do it, but I don't think they are related at all.

 

[PollyannaMom]

The recommendations have indeed changed. I think my doctor does them every 3 years now.

 

[DLgal]

My doctor gives me the option of having it every year if I want, even though I am low risk. I usually just have her do it during my annual physical. I haven't seen a GYN in 13 years. My PCM does all my "womanly" exams, refers me for mammogram, etc. These days, GYN is considered specialty care and if you aren't pregnant, don't need to see one unless you are having a specific gynecological issue that is beyond the scope of a primary care doc.

 

[butterscotchcollins]

I've never been given the option, my GYN just does it during my annual and I'm in my mid-30s.

If you want to get one annually, then insist. No one will advocate for your health for you, you have to speak up to your doctor if it's important to you. Personally I'd rather be safe than sorry and have them check - as noted above it costs nothing (insurance covers) and takes 3 seconds, so why not?

 

[hmonkeyruns]

I work for a non-profit that promotes evidence-based health care practices. So you can all read and be informed, here are some links on this subject

Here's a link to the most recent guidelines from the USPSTF about PAP screening (US Preventive Services Task Force): https://www.uspreventiveservicestas...UpdateSummaryFinal/cervical-cancer-screening2

and some more information from the American Academy of Family Physicians: https://www.aafp.org/patient-care/clinical-recommendations/all/cw-pap-smears.html

Last but not least, you should consider reviewing the Choosing Wisely website that can help all patients learn more and talk more frankly with their doctors to make informed decisions about health care testing: http://www.choosingwisely.org/

 

[disneychrista]

Is that normal...PAP every 5 years?

Every 3 years is what is recommended unless you have had a previous abnormal test or like me tested positive for HPV. I have to get one every year.

 

[disneychrista]

My doctor gives me the option of having it every year if I want, even though I am low risk. I usually just have her do it during my annual physical. I haven't seen a GYN in 13 years. My PCM does all my "womanly" exams, refers me for mammogram, etc. These days, GYN is considered specialty care and if you aren't pregnant, don't need to see one unless you are having a specific gynecological issue that is beyond the scope of a primary care doc.

The flip side of this I go to a "women's health" practice and they take place of my primary care for annual check-ups etc.

 

[Shadera]

I believe the guidelines where changed several years ago to having it only done every 3-5 years if you are low risk. If you have any sort of "history" though, they will do it annually. I am still having one annually as that's what my GYN wants and I think they used my "thyroid cancer" history to do it, but I don't think they are related at all.

I had a hyster a decade ago and still have to do a yearly PAP based on my risk factor. I was hoping to get a pass from that unpleasantness but no.

 

[Hikergirl]

I have a yearly but I have a previous history.

 

[Southernmiss]

Dang it. Just had a pap today. Did not discuss when doc would recommend the next one. Had I seen this thread, I'd have asked if I could wait a few years for the next one.

I had a prescription for a thyroid med I needed refilled last month. Ob gyn is my only doc as I'm otherwise healthy (as long as my pap and upcoming mammograms are ok). Nurse said, 'We will do it this time, but you've not been here since Nov 17.' Well, I've not needed a visit. But dutifully I scheduled and went and will get my mammys grammed next Friday.

The last 2d mammogram in 2017 scared me silly as I got the dreaded 'We see a couple of spots.' Ugh. Off I went for a 3 d redo that was fine. This time, I said we're starting with 3 d.

I get preventive medicine is good, but I also don't want too much testing or prodding that could actually create problems.

 

[Searc]

Dang it. Just had a pap today. Did not discuss when doc would recommend the next one. Had I seen this thread, I'd have asked if I could wait a few years for the next one.

I had a prescription for a thyroid med I needed refilled last month. Ob gyn is my only doc as I'm otherwise healthy (as long as my pap and upcoming mammograms are ok). Nurse said, 'We will do it this time, but you've not been here since Nov 17.' Well, I've not needed a visit. But dutifully I scheduled and went and will get my mammys grammed next Friday.

The last 2d mammogram in 2017 scared me silly as I got the dreaded 'We see a couple of spots.' Ugh. Off I went for a 3 d redo that was fine. This time, I said we're starting with 3 d.

I get preventive medicine is good, but I also don't want too much testing or prodding that could actually create problems.

I had my mammogram yesterday. Our hospital has switched to 3D imagery from the start, which is nice. I asked about the difference vs 2D and was told it gives a much better picture (figuratively and literally) of what is going on with the breasts.

 

[Southernmiss]

I had my mammogram yesterday. Our hospital has switched to 3D imagery from the start, which is nice. I asked about the difference vs 2D and was told it gives a much better picture (figuratively and literally) of what is going on with the breasts.

Yes, it does. That's why I said just start there instead of the 2 d nonsense. Apparently, my tissue is dense.

I get needing screening. Just make an inconvenuent, embarassing and uncomfortable procedure as easy as possible, please.

 

[fly girl]

Yes, the pap recommendation changed. I could be mistaken, but I think my OBGYN said after a certain age, they change it to every 3 years. I think it was 40? Not positive on that. I apologize if I am giving out wrong info.

I am on the pill (advised by my OBGYN that it is safe and and great for lessening peri-menopause side effects ... still have those dreaded night sweats though) so I have to go in annually. Even though I had an abnormal pap 20 years ago, once I hit 40 they started doing the pap every 3 years. Still get the pelvic exam which I find more uncomfortable, but it is what it is. (imho it beats the dentist)

As for 3D mammo, thankfully it is covered by my insurance. Even if it wasn't, I'd pay the extra money (I think they said $100.) If I am in there, I just want the best I can get. And I am thankful that the best hospital in our area for mammo's now has the traveling bus. I did not enjoy going to the seedy downtown area, paying for parking, and waiting forever for them to call my name. I LOVE the mobile bus! In and out in 15 minutes, with my car 20 feet away. Yahoo!!