The second largest medical group in the US suggests healthy women should stop receiving routine pelvic exams, as evidence suggests they’re useless and unnecessary. The new report does not apply to pregnant women, those at elevated risk for cancer or other diseases or those who visit their doctor based on medical complaints of pain.
The American College of Physicians, which represents 137,000 internal medicine physicians and specialists, said the invasive procedure causes some women fear, anxiety, pain with expensive medical costs. Yet it does little to detect ovarian cancer or other disorders. Ovarian cancer is only detected through a vaginal exam if the ovary is enlarged. Studies report blood tests are more sensitive in ovarian cancer detection.
Pelvic exams, a staple in regular physical checkups for women, should only be performed in instances where doctors specifically recommend it, according to the report. Pap smears are still mandatory vaginal exams for women aged 18 and over.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists immediately responded, dismissing the claims, still in favor of routine Pap smears for healthy women. In a statement, the group says pelvic exams help gynecologists combat incontinence and sexual dysfunction, allowing them “to explain a patient’s anatomy, reassure her of normalcy and answer her specific questions.”
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