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Re: GENERAL: Pap Tests and Taking the Pill

From: Pat Sonnenstuhl (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:41:55 -0500 (CDT)

As you know, the purpose of the test is to screen for cervical cancer. Depending upon your age and personal circumstances, spacing out the pap smears can be done. If you are still needing birth control, it would follow that a yearly pap smear is a reasonable request. Remember, cervical cancer has a long initial development. I suspect you could find someone who wouldn't require the test, but you also need to be certain that you are totally not at risk for cervical cancer. It is also an opportunity to look for other types of cancers, such as labial, and breast cancer with an annual exam.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/cancer-screening.htm

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20021115/fewer-pap-tests-ok-for-some-women

<Here's a summary of the new guidelines:

* A young women should start getting Pap tests approximately three years after she starts having vaginal intercourse, or at age 21. (Old guidelines had women start testing at age 18).

* Regular Pap tests should be done every year. However, newer liquid-based Pap tests need be done only once every two years.

* At or after age 30, a woman who has had three normal test results in a row needs screening only once every two or three years. However, a doctor may suggest more frequent screening if a woman has certain other conditions that raise her risk of cervical cancer.

* Women age 70 or older who have had three normal Pap tests and no abnormal findings in the last 10 years may choose to stop having Pap tests.

* Most women who have had a total hysterectomy -- with removal of the cervix -- do not need Pap testing. The tests are still needed if the hysterectomy was done as a treatment for cervical cancer or precancer. Other special conditions may mean continued testing. >> 

--
Pat Sonnenstuhl, CNM, CHT


Hypnosis for Healing and HypnoFertility Therapy
http://home.comcast.net/~prebirthhealth/hypnosisforhealing.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~prebirthhealth/birthcounseling.htm



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