Doctors differ on whether a post-menopausal woman needs periodic Pap smears or any at all. This is a decision that you are going to have to make for yourself, with some input from your physician.
Some Say No
A study called "The Positive Predictive Value of Cervical Smears in Previously Screened Postmenopausal Women," published in the December 2000 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, reveals that continued Pap smears for menopausal women who have no problematic medical history appear to be of limited value. Furthermore, menopausal women tend to get false positive results when undergoing Pap smears, according to the American College of Physicians.
Some Say Yes
On the other hand, the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health points out that menopausal women should have an annual Pap smear because it may take years for a condition such as cervical or uterine cancer to develop.
Considerations
Three out of four women who have cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or haven't had one in the five years prior to the diagnosis, according to Managingmenopause.org.
Pap Smears After 65
Some physicians think women should continue having Pap smears until they turn 65, whereas others think it is unnecessary.
Recommended Frequency
The Cleveland Clinic recommends that post-menopausal women continue to have periodic Pap smears. Women used to be advised to have a yearly Pap smear but the recommendation is now one every three years unless you have higher risk factors for cancer.
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