Group Backs Annual Check-ups for Women

Recently revised guidelines say that women don’t need to get Pap tests every year anymore. But a group of doctors says that women do need an annual exam. The advice comes from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These doctors are often called ob-gyns. A committee of the college says that women should have an annual “well-woman” visit with their ob-gyn. After age 21, the group says, this visit should include a pelvic exam. This is an internal and external exam of female organs. Pap tests may be included in some years, depending on age and risk level. For women 40 and older, the visit should include a breast exam, the group says. These exams may be done every 1 to 3 years for younger women. Tests for sexually transmitted diseases may be done.