dVH/RALH: "annual exams" after hysterectomy?

I talked to the ARNP who will be doing my post-op (not the surgeon), and said something like "and no more annual exams after this, right?!" She said "Oh no. You'll still come in every year. We will need to monitor those ovaries. Every 4 years or so we will do a pap smear." "Even if I don't have a cervix!?" "Yup - even with no cervix you still need the occasional pap."

I had no idea! I trust her and her judgment (she's the first person in the medical field to take me seriously and the whole reason I'm finally about to get relief) but I thought for sure I'd have no more paps. Kinda shocked!

They do like to check the ovaries, check for masses, do a breast exam, all that. They do a smear of the "vaginal vault" to check for changes and vaginal cancer. I'm just as glad to be checked out, it's fine with me. Not all Drs do the checks but I like the idea. I'm glad you got taken seriously and will finally get relief.

My gyne told me paps were no longer necessary after removal of my cervix but I saw on this site that some docs still recommend them. I discussed this with my family doctor and she said she's happy to continue doing paps if I want. I will continue to have them done since I'm HPV positive and have a history of abnormal paps.

Yep . . . even without a cervix a lot of doctors recommend still getting a PAP smear to check for cancerous cells or other abnormalities.

Hey Kbid,

Feels good when someone finally takes your issues seriously, doesn't it?! I went through 3 doctors before the 4th took the time to provide answers.

My gyn told me I would still come in for paps because of the chance of vaginal cancer in the future. This woman is a godsend and I'll be with her until she retires.

It's important too because when they do the internal exam they can feel your ovaries and check for abnormalities there too. I plan to be vigilant and hope no more surgeries in my future!