No More Screening Pelvic Exams for Women

Annals of Internal Medicine | Screening Pelvic Examination in Adult Women: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of PhysiciansScreening Pelvic Examination in Adult Women

On July 1, The above article was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, adding guidance to a frontline transformation in medical practice.  Family Physicians and Obstetricians have performed millions of pelvic exams in non-symptomatic women, noting in recent years that fewer pap tests were indicated, fewer mammograms were desired and other countries weren't performing near the amount of pelvics per capita as done in the U.S.  Some technological advances have led to better care for symptomatic women and a better understanding of cervical pathology.

The cancer screening for women still includes an annual breast exam, not annual pelvic, not annual pap test, not annual mammogram (but close).  Please understand that "screening" means a test or procedure performed on a person with NO SYMPTOMS.  No Symptoms.  No Symptoms.  Please remember that.

They now may have an annual or less often evaluation and therapeutic intervention session, more focused on their life, goals and dreams and parts.  With less time used up by the pelvic exam, women's health should improve.  (My opinion)

Most women over 40  have a symptom or two in one area or another.  Usually not in the pelvis.  The new guideline does not apply to them. They may more readily schedule an evaluation by their physician without getting distracted by issues of pelvic health.

Let's see how it goes.  What do you think?