Posted by
momich
16 yrs ago
I went for a pap smear today and was surprised to be told that I only need to have one every 3 years instead of annually. I always thought that it should be done annually. Anyone has any similar advice re frequency ?
Please support our advertisers:
It is not uncommon to be told that you need a pap smear once every 2 or even three years.
I've been told this in the past as well.
Personally, I think it's RISKY to wait an entire three years for your next smear. What if, the very next day after your pap smear, you caught an STD, there were abnormal changes down there... well, you've got three years for cervical cancer to develop into an advanced stage! And then you're dead!
OK, very dramatic scenario, but despite what doctors tell me, I will always have an annual pap smear.
You don't have to follow doctor's advice all the time.
Please support our advertisers:
3 yrs? That's way to long!
Please support our advertisers:
Cervical cancer is a slow progressing disease. 2 years is the standard time between pap tests, unless you have changes (abnormal cells, CIN 1 etc) then they are done more frequently.
Other reasons for having more frequent pap tests, you are a smoking or have a poor immune system (ie HIV/AIDS or cancer).
Of non of these apply, then have one every 2 years. Any more frequent is just a waste.
Please support our advertisers:
You must be logged in to be able to reply.
Login now
Copy Link
Facebook
Gmail
Mail