<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"\n\tAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\t\n\n\n\nKnow that annual Pap smear you hate getting? You can now get it a lot less often.According to new guidelines issued by the United States Preventative Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society, women should now get a Pap smear no more than every three years. The last time guidelines were issued in 2003, screenings were recommended \"at least every three years,\" which lead to many gynos ordering annual tests.The Pap provides an important screening for cervical cancer, but officials found that it's better to do it less often, since the tests can result in false positives for pre-cancerous cells. That can lead to unnecessary biopsies that can screw with fertility.Does this mean you should skip your annual visit to your gyno? Nope.  \"The Pap smear is only part of your annual exam,\" says Cosmo Radio health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D. She says it's important to have a clinical breast exam once a year, as well as STD testing (including testing for HPV) if you're sexually active.Keep in mind, too, that 80 percent of sexually active women have tested positive for HPV, which puts you at a higher risk for developing cervical cancer. If you have HPV, it's important to do regular Paps to make sure you don't develop precancerous cells which can turn into cervical cancer.Unsure of what to do? Talk to your doctor to find a routine that's best for you."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/news/a10141/pap-smear-regulations/?src=global_footer>