We’re Not Your Mother’s OB/GYN
Think you need a PAP test every year? Not anymore—new screening guidelines now recommend a different approach to cervical cancer prevention. While annual visits are still recommended, most women only need a PAP smear every three to five years, depending on age and test type.
The screening test for cervical cancer can effectively detect abnormal cells, but because doctors now know that cervical cancer takes many years to develop, they are advising screening every few years. Women have two options for screening: a PAP test, which can find abnormal cells that are likely to become cancer cells or an HPV test, which can detect the human papillomavirus, strains of which can cause cancer. See below for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines on how often to get screened with which test.
Discussions of other types of cancer are certainly a good reason to see your doctor every year, but there are a host of others. From your first period to menopause and everything in between, your OB/GYN plays a vital role in your overall health.
Other reasons for an annual visit include learning about and getting resources on:
- Family planning and birth control
- Pre-pregnancy counseling
- Pregnancy care all the way through delivery
- Healthy sexuality and relationships, gender preferences, intimacy, pain and more
- Safe sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Your mental health including anxiety, depression and stress
- Genetic screening if you have a family history of cancer
- Your general health, including blood pressure, osteoporosis or other chronic diseases
- Your body’s weight, BMI, and healthy eating and exercise habits
- Infertility testing and possible treatment
- Menstrual care and how to manage painful or abnormal periods
- Menopause care including bone health, heart health and hormone therapy options
- Incontinence and bladder/pelvic floor issues
- Vaccinations that are recommended for your age group
So, take heart. Your OB/GYN can be your doctor through all stages of your health and seeing them annually will make a world of difference. It could even save your life.
ACOG Guidelines
* Age 21-29: A PAP test every three years is preferred over HPV testing alone.
* Age 30-65: 1. PAP test and HPV test every five years or 2. Pap test alone every three years or 3. HPV test every five years
* Age 65+: Cervical cancer screenings ONLY if you’ve had abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer and if you’ve had positive screenings within the last three tests
Your health matters at every stage—contact Island Obstetrics & Gynecology – 24th Street to connect with a gynecologist and get the care you need, 360.299.4212.