Pap Smear Frequency After 59: What You Need to Know

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
Hi

Most ob-gyn groups recommend at least a Pap every three years. There are other things we look for besides cervical cancer. I never think about "how disgusting" someone looks - it's all clinical. Don't be concerned with that at all. I realize that must sound easy for me to say - but it's true