ASK THE DOCTOR
What to Ask Your Gynecologist as You Age WRITTEN BY DANA KLOSNER
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any women over age 50 think they no longer need to see their gynecologist— especially if they are postmenopausal. Just the opposite is true. Joseph Roofeh, MD, a Torrance Memorial Physician Network OB-GYN, recommends that women continue with their annual visits throughout their lifetime. It is true, however, that the reasons for these visits change as you age. You will find new screening schedules and issues to discuss. How often should I have pap smears, mammograms and pelvic exams?
It is recommended that women over age 50 continue with regular gynecologist (GYN) visits annually throughout their lifetime. Torrance Memorial Physician Network GYN specialists offer a patient-centered care experience for the whole woman and her unique needs at every stage of life.
Pap smear: This procedure detects abnormal growth in cervical cells. These abnormal cells are a precursor to cervical cancer, and early detection is vital to the prevention of cancer. If you are between the ages of 50 and 65, continue to have a pap smear every three years. If you are over 65 and have had clear tests your entire life, you don’t need to have them anymore since the risk of cervical cancer decreases with age and it takes a long time to arise. If you have had some abnormal results in the past, after three consecutive normal tests you no longer need them. Mammogram: Continue to have an annual mammogram until age 75. After that, the risk of breast cancer is so low the screening doesn’t add any benefit.
8 ADVANTAGE / Torrance Memorial, a Cedars-Sinai Affiliate
