Papsmeres after a total hysterectomy?

Question

Should you still get papsmeres done after a total hysterectomy? And if so, why??

Answer 1

This is a great question.
I have the same situation.
I don't have a cervix so why a pap ?

My doctor says she wants to check for other problems and does a modified pap.I like the idea that someone is checking on things.I have changed to once every two years now.Plus we need mammograms.

Answer 2

Hi Friend.. Total Hysterectomy is nothing but complete removal of Uterus.. From the symptoms U said, I guess U R having Enometriosis.. It's wat U said thickening of Uterine walls.. There will be Unusual Bleeding, Pain, Irregular periods, U really feels sick becoz UR Hormone levels R abnormal.. I dont think U need a Hysterectomy 4 this condition because it's the last word 4 this problem...and done only if it is so serious.. Generellay this procedure does in cases of Uterine tumors.. I personally suggest U to consult another Gynecologist... May be it can be cured by taking a longer course of Hormone and other pills... U take atleast 3-4 expert opinion B4 a decision as U R 26... I guess U R not having Children... If is it so, do think a 10 times to take a decision. It's true that Having Children in case of Endomertiosis is a difficult task... but not Impossible.. If U have children and/or not wishing to have another, U can proceed with that procedure... Do Remember, It is a surgical procedure, so have all the difficulties of it.. U may take weeks of Bed Rest, Life long Hormone pills to substitute etc... Only 1 advantage... U can get rid off Periods n associated problems U R suffering from now... Live Healthy.. Regards.. 'Joe'

Answer 3

Most likely not. It depends on whether you still have a cervix or not. If your cervix was removed and your hysterectomy was NOT for cancer, you DO NOT need pap tests. You can't get cervical cancer if you don't have a cervix, and that is all the pap test is for:

"...There is consensus among all the major organizations: the US Preventive Services Task Force (a governmental body concentrating on the health of the populace), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians all recommend against Pap testing after hysterectomy.

The main study that led to this conclusion involved about 10,000 women who had their uterus removed for benign reasons (such as bleeding or fibroids). About 1% of these women had an abnormal Pap test, but none of these abnormal tests proved to be cancer or pre-cancer, therefore subjecting these women to further testing - and likely some anxiety - unnecessarily. "

Answer 4

Yes, you should still go to the doctor annually for a pap smear even after a total hysterectomy. If your cervix is removed the doctor can perform a pap of the vaginal cuff and vagina called a "vault smear". Many women believe they are safe from cancer if they have a hysterectomy, but that is a myth. It is important to make sure the vagina, vulva, perianal area, and anus remain healthy and cancer free too. If a woman has HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) it is EXTREMELY important to see the doctor annually for a check-up because high risk HPV is associated with many different gynecological cancers, not just cervical.

Answer 5

Because you still have a cervix at the end of your vagina, and it can have cervical cancer.