Doctors Debate if Yearly Pelvic Exams are Necessary

Some doctors are beginning to question the need for every woman to have the exam every year. One of them is Dr. Carolyn L. Westhoff, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University. Last month, she and several colleagues wrote in the Journal of Women's Health that the routine pelvic exam is "obsolete" for women who have no symptoms that might suggest a problem. They argued that the time could be better spent on other, more pressing, health matters.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

A recent report released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women 21 through 29 have a pap smear every two years, women ages 30 through 65 a pap smear every three years is sufficient. Therefore, eliminating the need for a yearly pelvic exam or visit. According to Dr. Carolyn L. Westhoff.

Dr. Lisa Nicholas Doesn’t Agree

Dr. Lisa Nicholas, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Nichol’s feels a yearly pelvic exam is still important for a woman of any age the exam allows the ovaries to be checked for problems such as ovarian cancer, the time allows the patient and doctor to discuss concerns and questions.

Conclusion

The guidelines are reviewed continuously by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and as of present, a yearly exam is still recommended.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/la-he-pelvic-exam-20110220,0,203604...