We provide well-women care in all phases of life. Also menopause consultations, annual gynecological exams, pap smears, incontinence evaluation, sexually transmitted infection education and screening.
Who should have Pap Smears and when?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2004) recommends that young women have a complete well woman exam that includes a breast exam and a pelvic exam with a pap smear, by age 21 unless they are sexually active. For sexually active women, this exam is recommended approximately three years after the first sexual encounter no matter what age that occurred. Women, younger than 21 who are not sexually active, but are having gynecological problems, should seek care if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Until age 30, ACOG recommends that all women have yearly pap tests. After age 30, if a woman has a negative history of abnormal pap smears for three years and no evidence of a virus called HPV, cervical screening can be extended to every three years unless they are at high risk for cervical cancer. [Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that is responsible for genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities and, in some cases, cervical cancer. There are treatments available if HPV is detected, and often it clears up on its own.]
Women who have had hysterectomies (removal of the uterus and often the ovaries) should know that ACOG suggests that if a hysterectomy was done for health reasons that did not include abnormal cells and cancer, they do not need pap smears. After age 70, the American Cancer Society suggests that pap smears are no longer necessary. It is important to know that ACOG advises all women to continue yearly pelvic exams even though they may not need a pap smear.
The well woman exam has identified many healthcare problems of women throughout the lifecycle when treatment is possible and cure is optimal. It is an excellent opportunity to seek information on healthy living for you and your family members. Your health is the most precious thing you have. For the many things that your family depends on you to do, make sure you take care of yourself.
Download Well Woman Instructions