Annual pap tests

[Cafe Latte]

I recently went for my annual pap. My Dr. mentioned that since I have always had normal paps, if I consent to an HPV test and it comes back negative, I wouldn't need another pap for 3 years. I was wondering if this is common these days? I was thrilled to hear I wouldn't need one for 3 years:) I'm in my 40's and married for over 20 years, so I'm not if this is part of the reason as well. :)

[wallycat]

HPV versus pap is the new thinking.
I believe I heard that if you had normal paps, you could go every 3 years, even without the HPV testing. They still suggest you go for pelvic exam, just not the pap.

[Cafe Latte]

They still suggest you go for pelvic exam, just not the pap.

Gee, I assumed I could get away without the whole exam. Oh well... wishful thinking.

[wallycat]

Yeah, that's why some docs don't mention the pap thing because who really WANTS to go, right :D:D:p
The pelvic feels ovaries, uterus and they should do a rectal with a quick occult fecal...and of course, the breast check.
Most gals use their gyn for primary care, so BP, weight, etc...

[cchhbb]

I just read an article about this a few weeks ago. Essentially it said that Pap is really not the gold standard and is being done annual due to tradition. It is more important to have the HPV test. I'm not sure where I read it and I just took out the recycling so I can't reference the source.

[Robyn1007]

I'm guessing the thinking is that the HPV test lets you know about the virus that causes an abnormal PAP before you'd see the abnormal PAP. Conversely, if you have had HPV it can resolve and be negative while your body is still working through the abnormal PAP issues. Unfortunately HPV can be transmitted even when one practices safe sex (condoms don't always block it!) so those who are not in monogomous relationships should be tested regularly.

Most women who have ever had a LEEP procedure or a cryo on the cervix actually had HPV but there wasn't testing until recently. I've been told that there is some thinking that up to 70% of the population has had it at some point. Oh, and they don't test men. :eek: :rolleyes:

[Andrea_2]

I recently received a notice in the mail from my doctor's office with test results stating that I was HPV negative. :confused: I didn't understand what that was about, and I thought maybe they had read the wrong chart or something since I wasn't informed that I was being tested for it. I called the office for an explanation, and a rather rude nurse said "As was explained at your appointment...you will be tested for HPV, and if it is negative, you won't need a pap test for 3 years." Actually, none of this was ever explained to me. No consent requested... nothing. I wouldn't have opposed it, but it just seems strange that they made no mention of it to me at all at my appointment. I guess maybe they just forgot.

[LakeMartinGal]

I just read an article about this a few weeks ago. Essentially it said that Pap is really not the gold standard and is being done annual due to tradition. It is more important to have the HPV test. I'm not sure where I read it and I just took out the recycling so I can't reference the source.

Yeah, I read that in Reader's Digest... I need to see my GYN soon, so I'll see what she wants to do. Medicare only covers PAPs every 2 years.

[SusanMac]

I haven't discussed HPV tests w/my Dr, but about 5 years ago she did switch to conducting Pap's every 2 or 3 years. I've had 20 years of healthy Pap tests, too. So, it really does make sense to me that it's not needed each year.

I have to confess that I'm a bit skeptical about the HPV testing. I've read some critical things about the lead pharma's lobbying efforts. So, I definitely need to read up on it more to educate myself.