Keith Reisler, MD, studied medicine at the State University of New York Downstate Medical School. For three decades, Keith Reisler, MD, has functioned as an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) at a private practice in Plano, TX.
When it comes to visiting an OB/GYN, there is no set frequency that can be applied to all patients. In the past, women have been advised to make annual visits to receive pelvic examinations and Pap tests. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, in partnership with the American Cancer Society and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), issued a statement in 2012 stating that women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have received negative Pap test results in the past only require a combination Pap and HPV test once every five years but should continue to have a gynecological exam yearly. Some newer studies have indicated that some precancerous cells can be missed with every 5 year Paps and Dr Reisler still advises yearly Pap smears and insurance will cover this. Either way patients should still have a gynecological exam yearly.
Meanwhile, women over the age of 65 do not require Pap tests at all, assuming there is no history of cervical cancer or precancerous cell development. Furthermore, women over 65 must have received either three consecutive negative Pap tests or two Pap and HPV tests within a 10-year period. Once again Dr Reisler thinks this should be individualized and some women may want to continue more frequent Pap smears.
With that said, there is still value in annual visits to the OB/GYN. These benefits include discussions about diet and exercise, sexual practices, pelvic prolapse, and the onset of menopause symptoms. Individuals should express any questions or concerns with their OB/GYN to determine what schedule would best suit their needs.
When it comes to visiting an OB/GYN, there is no set frequency that can be applied to all patients. In the past, women have been advised to make annual visits to receive pelvic examinations and Pap tests. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, in partnership with the American Cancer Society and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), issued a statement in 2012 stating that women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have received negative Pap test results in the past only require a combination Pap and HPV test once every five years but should continue to have a gynecological exam yearly. Some newer studies have indicated that some precancerous cells can be missed with every 5 year Paps and Dr Reisler still advises yearly Pap smears and insurance will cover this. Either way patients should still have a gynecological exam yearly.
Meanwhile, women over the age of 65 do not require Pap tests at all, assuming there is no history of cervical cancer or precancerous cell development. Furthermore, women over 65 must have received either three consecutive negative Pap tests or two Pap and HPV tests within a 10-year period. Once again Dr Reisler thinks this should be individualized and some women may want to continue more frequent Pap smears.
With that said, there is still value in annual visits to the OB/GYN. These benefits include discussions about diet and exercise, sexual practices, pelvic prolapse, and the onset of menopause symptoms. Individuals should express any questions or concerns with their OB/GYN to determine what schedule would best suit their needs.
