Over the course of his career as an OBGYN in Plano, Texas, Dr. Keith Reisler has worked hard to promote women’s health. Keith Reisler, MD, frequently performs routine screening procedures such as the Pap smear, which ranks among the most vital diagnostics in gynecology discipline.

1. By Keith Reisler

2.  Over the course of his career as an OBGYN in Plano,
Texas, Dr. Keith Reisler has worked hard to promote
women’s health. Keith Reisler, MD, frequently
performs routine screening procedures such as the
Pap smear, which ranks among the most vital
diagnostics in gynecology discipline.
At its most basic level, the Pap smear involves the
scraping of the cervix to screen for precancerous
cells, caused by the Human Papilloma Virus about
99% of the time. Combined with annual exams, the
Pap smear can reduce the risk of cervical cancer
death by as much as 80 percent.

3.  However, Pap smears typically fail to assess
adenocarcinoma of the cervix, another leading
cause of cervical cancers. This is also why
patients should continue to have annual exams
and present for any unusual symptoms.
The American College of Obstetrics and
Gynecology (ACOG) advises all women to receive
a yearly annual exam, and low-risk women
between the ages of 21 and 29 to receive Pap
smears once every three years. For women
between the ages of 30 and 65, a Pap smear
every three years or a Pap smear combined with
HPV testing every 5 years is sufficient.

4.  The frequency for Pap smears recommended
by ACOG should not be confused with their
recommendation to continue annual exams
consisting of a Breast exam, pelvic exam,
along with other needed screening yearly.
Many physicians believe that the Pap smear
should also be performed more frequently
than recommended by ACOG.