Actually, Koala, I had never had an abnormal Pap test before my hysterectomy, which was done because of fibroid tumors. So my doctor was correct in telling me that I didn't need further Pap smears. However, as I now know, that recommendation could have been deadly because if I had continued to follow his advice and the guidelines from the American Cancer Society, I might have invasive cancer or worse by now.

The problem is that there is no clear dividing line between the cervix and the vagina. The lining cells are virtually identical, so the human papilloma virus, which causes cervical cancer, can cause the same changes to the vaginal cuff and walls of the vagina as it can to the cervix.

Due to the increasing prevelance of HPV (and it's estimated that up to 80% of all sexually active people will have one or more strains of the virus in their lifetime), I feel that all women, regardless of their hysterectomy status or prior Pap status, should have regular Pap tests. You might think that you don't have the virus (like I did), but it can lie dormant and undetectable in the body for months or even years and not cause any problems at all until your immune system is depressed during times of stress or illness.

Yes, Pap tests are embarrassing and can be inconvenient. And yes, current guidelines may indicate that you don't need a Pap test. But it's better to be safe than sorry. A Pap test is a small inconvenience which might save your life. It did mine!

Hugs,

Lisa