
I don't need to tell you, whether or not you have a cervix, that the smear is what sadists and medical professionals might call 'uncomfortable'. For those with a traumatic sexual history they can be triggering. The idea that people might be having more exams than strictly necessary is therefore worth taking note of.
In 2010 in America doctors performed 62.8 million routine pelvic examinations and the cost of gynaecological screenings cost 2.6 billion dollars annually. Women on birth control pills in the US peculiarly have to go in for a routine examination before they can renew their prescription. This probably puts off many women from using this method of contraception.
The study published in the Annals examined 70 years worth of pelvic exams and found that annual check ups had no impact "morbidity or mortality of any condition" | In light of this to refuse to open wide for doctor seems a reasonable response. |
Rather alarmingly internists at the University of California-San Francisco George Sawaya and Vanessa Jacoby wrote in an editorial for the Annals that pelvic examinations have "become more of a ritual than an evidence-based practice."
Is it surprising though? There is some discussion over whether the PAP smear is necessary and talk that it could be replaced with an HPV test. Women's health and how to deal with it seems to constantly be under discussion.
In light of this to refuse to open wide for doctor seems a reasonable response.
Squeamish Kate