Pap Smear Recommendations After Menopause: Do You Still Need Them?

Question
I am 59, overweight, but otherwise in good health. I have had normal Pap tests every year of my adult life, and am no longer sexually active. When I had my check up last year, my family doctor told me that a lot of women my age opt not to have a Pap smear every year. Do I need one, and if not, how often should I have it done?

My only reason for considering not having one is that I am embarrassed about my weight and how disgusting I must look to the doctor and his nurse, when I get undressed. Pretty dumb reason, right?

Thanks

Jo

Answer
ACOG has new guidelines concerning PAP smears. If you have had three normal PAP smears in the last few years, you now only g=have to have a PAP smear done every three years.  However, I do not follow these guidelines in mt practice. I still perform a PAP on every woman, every year.