Pap Tests and menopause

Atlanta, GA

A Pap test, or Pap smear, is a pelvic exam that checks the cervix fluids and cells for possible cancer and precancerous cells. Typically they are given to every woman of childbearing age after they become sexually active to check for cervical cancer and other items. These tests help in finding precancerous cells early so that there is a greater chance of treatment options that will work for the survival of the patient. But what about those out of childbearing years, those in menopause? Should they still be getting a yearly Pap test?

Getting the Pap Test
Those getting a Pap smear should prepare two days in advance so that they can get the best possible result, mainly an accurate one that will not do false results. Things that a woman should not be doing for two days prior to the Pap smear pelvic exam are:
Do not have sex
Do not take tub baths
Do not use douches, artificial lubrication, or feminine hygiene products
Don’t use tampons (don’t even have a Pap smear while on your period)
Do not use foam, cream, or jelly birth control
Don’t use vaginal medication or creams

Pap Smears and Menopause
Usually women can stop having a yearly pelvic Pap smear exam after reaching age 70 if they meet one condition. They must have had the past 10 years of normal Pap Smear results. They are still asked to have pelvic exams, but the pap smear doesn’t need to be included.
If the woman goes into early menopause prior to the age of 70, it is usually recommended that they continue to get one to test for the cervical cancer risk. After reaching the age of 70 they will then be able to relax the need for pap smear pelvic exams if the woman has had normal results for the prior 10 years of testing.

How often a woman gets a pap smear is completely up to many different things. Whether or not she has a history of cancer, her age, whether she smokes, or if she has HPV (human papillomavirus) are some of those factors that will increase her need for more frequent pap smears and other pelvic exams. But if the woman continues to have a thorough exam and get normal results, they will relax the need to see her as often as before. The need for early detection is still key in having these types of tests.

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