Pap Tests Less Frequent Under New Guidelines

Dr. Allmen’s Comments:  The new PAP smear guidelines are very important. If you are younger than 21 years old, you do not need one. If you are between the ages of 21-29, you can get screened every 3 years, if your PAP smear is normal. If you are between the ages of 30-64, you can extend your screening interval to every 5 years if your PAP and HPV testing is normal. And women over the age of 65 can graduate from PAP smears if they have had 3 normal PAP smears in a row. This does not mean that women should skip their gynecology visit every year, however. The annual visit covers so much more than just a PAP smear. But at least women can now feel secure that extending the interval for PAP smears is the new standard of care allowing more time to focus on other important issues.

watch MSNBC report on PAP smear guidelines

Tara Allmen, MD Credentials:
– Board Certified Gynecologist and Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner
– New York City’s Leading Expert In Menopause
– President, North American Menopause Society Foundation
– Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
– New York City’s Top Gynecologist, 2015
– Five Star Rating From Doctor’s Choice Awards
– Five Star Rating From HealthGrades