still need pelvic exams...why?

I know it is a stupid question and I really didn't know where to post this so please move it where it needs to be.

I don't want to ask the Dr. but I mean, what is there to possibly check out? I have been post op for a few years and have always wondered why I still need to be checked. Can someone give me a clue? Thanks!

Hi,

First...there are no stupid questions. I am pretty sure if someone asks a question, there is also someone who wants to know the answer and is glad someone else asked.

I remember wondering the same thing. At my pap last year, I ask the doctor what was he feeling for, being I had nothing left to feel.

He explains it as looking/feeling for changes in the vagina.
Checking for vaginal cancers.
Checking for vaginal atrophy.
Some doctors also do a rectal, looking for changes in that area.

Plus you also get the once over the boobs and schedule your mammogram at that time.

Also it's just a good time to discuss hormone treatment or changes.

Hope that helps

I read somewhere that although your cervix may have been removed, there still could be some trace cells of it that could become cancerous, therefore it's better to check for that than let it grow.

My dr feels that after 2 clean pap smears (really vagina smears) I will then be changed to an every 3 year smear. Please note that I also have nothing left but my vagina. She wants to see me annually to do well woman blood work, breast check & mamogram, blood pressure, bone density, ERT status, and just to chat about how I am feeling and doing. She feels stongly that as my gyn it remains vitally important that she continue with an annual check. She said, "There is alot more to being a healthy woman than a uterus, cervix, and ovaries." She is just the BEST dr I have ever had. I know that many women use their Primary Care Doctor for annual check ups after they have had a hysterectomy. I continue to use my gyn because I trust her and she definately knows my body better than my PCP. I would encourage you to ask your gyn if s/he thinks your type of yearly exam can/needs to be changed since the hysterectomy. No questions about our bodies and health are dumb. After all, your dr is really employed by you! Good luck.

My says that I do still need a pap and exam every year. I think this is because, though rare, vaginal cancer is still an issue for us. I feel that it is better to be safe and have that annual exam, don't forget to schedule your annual mammogram also. My doctor did a baseline bonescan 2 years ago and will do one again this year. He does them every other year.

Even though I no longer have a cervix,( or uterus or ovaries) my doctor recommends that I continue to have yearly exams, of which I do, and will continue to do faithfullly. It's very important to have a well-woman exam every year...regardless if we've had a hyst or not.....and that does include mammograms as well.

I have gotten so used to having annual exams over the years.......having a hyst has not changed that. It's important to continue with annual exams, IMO.