New guidelines about pap smears have made purpose of annual exams confusing. While you may only need a pap smear every three years, that does NOT mean you don't need a physical and pelvic exam every year.

Any woman that still has their female organs need visual inspection of cervix and palpation of pelvic organs (to reassure there are no issues occurring that could be treated early). It is a screening we encourage women to continue.

There are certain groups of women with higher risks of problems, such as someone over the age of 50 with ovaries remaining. These women have increased risk of ovarian cancer, just based on age alone and it is recommended to have an annual pelvic exam.

Additionally, the guidelines states women over the age of 65 may not need pap smears. We believe this should be left up to the individual, based on personal risks and desires

Well Women Exams

New guidelines about pap smears have made purpose of annual exams confusing. While you may only need a pap smear every three years, that does NOT mean you don't need a physical and pelvic exam every year.