Found this on the internet and was wondering if anyone else have hear it???


Question: With all organs still intact @ 68 yrs., do I still need a pap smear/pelvic exam? My dr. said I don't need one every yr only every other. I just wanted to check the facts out myself. Thank you.


Answer: The risk of getting cervical cancer is extremely low in women above 60 with always normal smears. Cervical atypical is caused by Human Papilloma Virus. The mode of transmission of that virus is by sexual intercourse. Usually the virus is cleared by the body. Sometimes the virus is permanent present, And only in women with persistent virus cervical cancer can develop. Usually the virus is acquired for the first time in the twenties. The advice in my country (The Netherlands) is not to offer pap smears any longer after age 60 when earlier pap smears are normal and no persistent HPV is present .

Yes, I have heard of that. My doctor recommends going every 3 years after 50 if you're a non-smoker, and have had the same (or no) sexual partner for 10 years.

I'm done at 60. I'm not doing it anymore. I'm having a spectrum burning party at 59

Wonder how one can get pass having them since we still need breast & pelvic exams. My doctor has never mention a thing> I had already made up my mind not to have one this year!

I just noticed that your first post did say PELVIC EXAM. I was told that we still needed those to check for changes in the ovaries and uterus, but a pap smear isn't necessary. But I'm still done at 60 unless I have a reason to have one.

I think it's an insurance thing. Pap Smears require lab work. Exams don't.

I think it is an insurance thing too. Less for the insurance companies to pay.

My doctor told me that I didn't need one for three years (I am 48) and when I went into my exam this April, I demanded one. I don't care if my husband has been my one and only sex partner my whole life, I figure anything can pop up at any time. Maybe I am paranoid but I am getting one even if I have to pay for it. It has never bothered me getting tests done. I would rather be on the safe side I guess.

Mopsy

Women are not called for a pap smear here when they reach 60 yrs old. My mother died of cervical cancer at the age of 74 years old.

[quote name='Snowmoon56' date='Apr 30 2009, 05:28 PM' post='282269']
Found this on the internet and was wondering if anyone else have hear it???


Question: With all organs still intact @ 68 yrs., do I still need a pap smear/pelvic exam? My dr. said I don't need one every yr only every other. I just wanted to check the facts out myself. Thank you.


Answer: The risk of getting cervical cancer is extremely low in women above 60 with always normal smears. Cervical atypical is caused by Human Papilloma Virus. The mode of transmission of that virus is by sexual intercourse. Usually the virus is cleared by the body. Sometimes the virus is permanent present, And only in women with persistent virus cervical cancer can develop. Usually the virus is acquired for the first time in the twenties. The advice in my country (The Netherlands) is not to offer pap smears any longer after age 60 when earlier pap smears are normal and no persistent HPV is preI

I no longer have a pap....I am 64 and haven't had one for 4 years....I will stop having a mammo at 75...have never done HRT so I don't feel the need to continue with the regimen.