The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are changing their guidelines for women for all those embarrassing tests women don't like to get but must. Here's the rundown:
- Pap smears every two years instead of annually (surprising given the HPV rates in this country).
- Routine paps at age 21. They used to say within three years of sexual intercourse. Now it's age 21. (I'll still take my daughters when they becomes sexually active for exams and paps, whatever age that is.)
- If you are 30 and over and have three consecutive clear pap tests, you can wait three years for your next one.
- If you have HIV or cervical abnormalities, you might need more frequent screening (ya think?).
I wonder if that means insurance will stop covering them annually now?