Why You Should Continue Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams After 65 – My Personal Experience
Why You Should Continue Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams After 65 – My Personal Experience
During my recent annual physical, I was surprised to hear that my healthcare provider said I didn’t need a pelvic exam or Pap smear. After all, I had one last year, and according to her, since I’m approaching 63, I’d likely never need another one. She explained that at 65, most women are told they no longer need Pap smears or pelvic exams. I told her that I had had several “abnormal” Pap smears in my recent past, which caused me to have repeated Peps. But since my last one was “normal,” she told me I didn’t need to have any more.
Initially, I felt relieved. No more stirrups, no more awkward conversations – who wouldn’t celebrate that? But then, I started to think about it more deeply. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
So, I did what I always do – I researched. And what I found was eye-opening.
The Truth About Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams After 65
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) guidelines state that Pap smears can be discontinued after 65 if a woman has had regular screenings with normal results and is not considered high-risk. However, that’s a big ‘if.’
Here’s what ACOG recommends:
- For women aged 21 to 29: Pap tests every 3 years.
For women aged 30 to 65:
- Pap tests every 3 years, or
- Combination Pap and HPV test every 5 years, or
- HPV test alone every 5 years.
- After 65: Pap smears may not be necessary if:
- There is no history of abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer.
- The woman has had two or three negative tests in a row, depending on the type of test.
But here’s the catch – just because the guidelines suggest stopping Pap smears after 65 doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for every woman. Some cancers develop later in life, and skipping routine pelvic exams can mean missing early signs of reproductive cancer.
Why You Should Continue Regular Screenings
Upon digging deeper, I discovered that cervical cancer is still a concern for older women. In fact, some studies show that women over 65 are at a higher risk for certain gynecological cancers, especially if they haven’t had consistent screenings throughout their lives.
According to ProjectNana.org, a nonprofit organization with an innovative approach to advancing health equity for post-menopausal women:
“All five gynecologic cancers – cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar – present differently with unique signs and symptoms. All women are at risk for gynecological cancers, and those risks increase with age. Early detection is optimal for treatment to be most effective. Recent research shows the median age of gynecologic cancer diagnosis for all women in the US is 62 years. Pap smear tests and screening exams have reduced incidence rates by 50%.”
Even ACOG suggests that women continue to see their gynecologist regularly for other health concerns, even after stopping routine Pap smears. Pelvic exams, for instance, may still be necessary to check for:
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Vaginal and vulvar health
My Takeaway
While it’s tempting to follow the guidelines and skip those pelvic exams and Pap smears, I’ve decided that my peace of mind is worth more than a few minutes of discomfort. I plan to continue getting checked annually, discussing my concerns openly with my healthcare provider, and advocating for my own health – and I encourage you to do the same.
Your health is your responsibility. Don’t let guidelines make you complacent – be your own advocate and make the choices that feel right for you.
Have you had a similar experience? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!
P.S. I always take my Just Like Me personal moisturizer with me to my exams. I can’t stand that gummy, sticky feeling that I get from the lube my provider uses. So, I have them use mine! Big difference.
Thank you to our guest blogger –
Trish Stoecker
She retired from the Army in 2016 after 32 years of service, including two overseas deployments. After she got settled, she wanted to start her own business, and Pure Romance quite literally fell into her lap. She loves what she does, and the first time a woman approached her and told her she "changed her life," she knew she made the right choice. Pure Romance is more than just toys: They are all about Educating, Empowering, and Entertaining women to enhance their relationships and help them feel better about themselves.
