Just as we hear that mammograms are no longer necessary before age 50, we learn that the ACOG has changed their guidelines for Pap Smear frequency and age at first Pap. According to the New York Times, Pap smears are unnecessary before age 21. Prior guidelines suggested that first Pap Smears be performed at age 21, unless sexually active when Pap smears were recommended  starting three years after becoming sexually active. One reason for this change is that having Pap smears earlier may lead to difficulty maintaining a pregnancy later in life.

The recommendations also advise women over 30 only need a Pap smear every three years when they have a three year history of normal Pap smears.

Additionally, women who have had a hysterectomy for a non-cancer reason can stop having Pap smears altogether. Of course, this includes only women who have had both their uterus and cervix removed -- women who have opted to keep their cervix during hysterectomy will need to follow their doctor's recommendation on future Pap smears. The sad fact is that 15 million unnecessary Pap are performed annually in the US on women who have had hysterectomies that included removal of the cervix.

Another recommendation is for women between ages 65 to 70, who can stop having Pap smears if they have had normal Pap smears for three consecutive years and no abnormal Pap smears over the last ten years.

See: How To Prepare For Your Pap Smear

What do you think about these new guidelines? Will these new guidelines affect the frequency of your Pap smears?

The USPSTF said last week that screening mammograms should not be performed yearly on women aged 40 to 49. They also recommended not teaching breast self exam. According to them, women should only have mammograms every two years between the ages of 50 and 74, unless there is a special circumstance such as a family history of breast cancer. This decision has raised a great deal of controversy among women, their doctors, and cancer organizations.

However, the USPSTF is alone in their recommendation. Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Cancer Society recommend that women continue practicing breast self-exam and having a screening mammogram every one to two years beginning at age 40.

5 Reasons Young Women Should Practice Breast Self Exam

Will this new recommendation change how often you will have a screening mammogram for breast cancer? Will you continue practicing monthly breast self exam? If you have daughters, will you teach them to perform monthly breast self exam?

Many factors can play a role in the occurrence of vaginal infections and discharge. What can you do to reduce your risk of vaginal infections? Practicing these simple tips significantly reduces your risk of getting a vaginal infection.

Chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease diagnosed  in the US. Approximately four million new cases of this disease occur each year and up to forty percent of women infected with this disease may be unaware of its existence. Learn the facts about chlamydia.