So here's some news that may make your vagina and your pocketbook smile! 

According to ABC News The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released new guidlines regarding annual pap smears and cervical cancer screenings. Women can now wait until 21 for their first cervical cancer screening, instead of 18 or after becoming sexually active, as I am sure most of us have been advised to do so by our primary care physicians.

In addition to starting cervical cancer screenings at a later age, ACOG also recommends that women with normal pap smears can go two years between pelvic exams, and that women in their 30 can go as long as three years between exams granted they have had three consecutive normal exams. 

Of course, this news does not come without controversy. Let's break it down: 

The Good: 
-Recommending less frequent screenings can free up doctors for other services
-Fewer screenings can allow women to avoid unneccesary treatment for HPV that may clear up on its own before causing cervical cancer. (ACOG claims that 90% of infections caused by HPV clear up on their own).
-The smaller incidents of unecessary screenings can also reduce the need for diagnostic surgery which may cause complications during pregnancy.
-Reduce over-testing and over-treating.
-Fewer screenings means women do not have to spend as much money on these check ups. Cha-ching for your cha-cha! 

The Bad: 
-Some OB/GYNs feel like the age recommendation is still too young, and that women do not need to start screenings until 25, for the reasons listed above.
-Some Physicians also feel as if this will cause women to neglect their overall health, since a lot of OB/GYNs are where many women get their primary care as well.
-Other OB/GYNs feel that this is a step in the right direction, but will not solve the problem with what is really causing cervical abnormalities to go unnoticed: not getting exams at all.



I personally think this is great news, mostly for the cost aspect and the risk of over-treatment/over-testing. Also, with the increased use of the HPV vaccine, I think this is the next logical step.

What do you think?