My Mom had a total everything (noncancerous), and they said she should still come in, but I don't think she did. They don't even do pap smears annually any more since they've associated it with HPV. I do have an issue with my external parts which my gyno diagnosed, biopsied and treats. So you can have other stuff happen, but I'd think that unless you were having specific issues, and as long as you have regular visits with a primary care physician, who can do the rectal/stool stuff, I wouldn't think it's necessary. I know some women who only go to the gyno for all their primary screenings too, so you should definitely do one or the other.

They don't even do pap smears annually any more since they've associated it with HPV.

Associated it with? What does that mean?

From the link below:

Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV infections, with just two HPV types, 16 and 18, responsible for about 70 percent of all cases.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nat'l Cancer Institute: HPV & Cancer

Well, I had a total hysterectomy in 1986, at the age of 36, non-cancerous, but I did have an ovarian cycst and endometriosis (sp?). They took everything plus my appendix!

I still went to the GYN doctor each year until about 2000. Didn't have a PAP each year, probably every other year until I went off HRT in 2005. I did have a physical vaginal exam each year (with my PCP and still do. Now they do a PAP every 3 years. Not sure where they take the tissue from but you can have endometrial cancer still.

I think if you are on HRT, it would be good to continue being checked. If not, then once every 3 years shouldn't be an issue.

Pelvics should be a part of a woman's health care even after a total hysterectomy. The doctor can look for other health issues, too.

From the mayo clinic....

Here is a link that might be useful: Pap smear necessary?

from the Mayo Clinic ... However, there are other risk factors for developing cervical cancer, such as family history and smoking, so talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Here is a link that might be useful: do virgins need pap smears?

Thanks everyone. I think I will skip it for now. I just don't get what they would be checking for if my uterus, cervix, and ovaries are gone. Of course, if I have any problems, I won't hesitate to go in.

I would urge you to go. I had a hysterectomy and my dr definitely said to keep coming in for yearly because they screen for other things as well at that appointment. It's only a couple of minutes to be rest assured that you are healthy. You're worth it!

msrose,
Are you planning on skipping the whole GYN visit or just the pelvic exam portion? What about a breast exam if you stop going to the GYN? Who writes the order for your annual mammo? If your primary care doc will do that then it would be okay to skip the GYN but you might be better served by someone who does 15 breast exams a day versus someone who does 2 a month.

I would rather play it safe than sorry.

blue - Do you know what else your doctor screened for? That's what I'm trying to figure out. I thought the only thing my doctor was doing before was a pap smear. Was she screening for something else and I just didn't know?

hhireno. -That's a good point that I hadn't thought about. I'm sure my PCP would write the prescription for my mammo, but I probably would rather have a breast exam done by my GYN.

I'm not sure she was screening for any other cancer cells but I do know that she just wanted to make sure everything had healed properly. Also that's when she does my breast exam and so on and so forth so it's a good overall well being check-up.

I am including this though from the Mayo clinic that I thought answered your question.

Be well, whatever you decide.