Yearly checks after hysterectomy

Hi, i haven't been around in quite a while.

I have a question - does a person who has had a hysterectomy with the cervix removed need to go back for a yearly pap smear? I'm asking this as i don't see the point of
going back but after my hysterectomy 2 years ago, my gynae said he'll be seeing me after a year.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

It seems to depend on the doctor how often they want to see you, and do the dreaded PAP (which is called a vaginal vault smear for those of us without a cervix). Some say every other year, some want yearly. It's very important to keep up with the pelvic exams, especially, because cancer can still occur in the vagina.

My doctor said I would need to have a few pap smears even though my cervix was removed. Sometimes a bit of cervical tissue still remains near the cuff. The abnormal cells seen on a pap smear may also appear on the vaginal area where the cervix had been. My doctor said he would rather be safe and check the area than to miss a problem that could develop into something worse. (I did not have cancer, and he still recommends a pap.)

Peggy

I asked my gyno. dr. the same thing. He said as long as I am sexually active I would need the pap every three years. But you know all drs. are different.

My doctor has his patients do yearly pap smears and internal exams to rule out vaginal cancer. You still need to have annual breast exams.

I just saw this message and called my doctor about it. He said that it's still important if you still have your ovaries.

Hi Ladies, thanks for your responses. I guess i'll be making an appointment sometime soon. I do so dread those pap smears though and my husband has also been uncertain as to if/when i should go back for a checkup. Not to mention i've missed 2 checkups as well.

Petal2006 - sorry, just saw your message now. Yes i still have my ovaries. Have just told my husband about all of your responses so he'll be calling the doctor soon to make an appointment soonest.

Many thanks for your responses! (hugs)