I've had some good discussions since I first wrote about the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology's (ACOG) decision to change the age that first Pap smears are needed in women to 21 years old regardless of sexual activity. That advice and recommendation stand.
I have had very healthy talks with my partners in the office, gynecologist friends and readers about the message that is being sent by this new recommendation. Many feel that
Posted by: drmolly in teenager, sex, periods, pelvic exam, pap smear, menstrual, hpv, gardasil, cervical cancer, birth control on
Jan 17, 2010
I don't love going to the gynecologist for my annual exam even though I have a fantastic doctor with whom I feel totally comfortable. When I was a young woman, it was the norm to go to the gynecologist for your first pelvic exam around 16 years old. How times have changed!
Recently the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) revised its recommendations for the age at which a girl should have her first pap smear to 21 years old