Have you ever been to an obstetrician/gynecologist or Ob/Gyn for a pelvic exam and Pap test? All women should have annual Pap smears beginning at age 21, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. When Do Women Need Pelvic Exams?
While a yearly Pap smear is not, in most cases, necessary after age 30, all women still require an annual pelvic exam to check for any other changes or infections. The ACOG established these guidelines with full knowledge that HPV causes cervical cancer.
According to the ACOG guidelines for Pap testing women diagnosed with HIV or other diseases or conditions that lower immunity should continue having annual Pap smears after age 30.
The majority of women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear in five or more years.
