Do I need pap smear and exam if I've had hysterectomy? (painful, infections)

[no kudzu]

I'm 63 had hysterectomy 3 years ago after doc found benign ovarian tumor. Why would I need to go back to doc for pap smear and exam? The exams are so painful, I bleed and am so anxious.

[Élan vital]

Originally Posted by no kudzu

I'm 63 had hysterectomy 3 years ago after doc found benign ovarian tumor. Why would I need to go back to doc for pap smear and exam? The exams are so painful, I bleed and am so anxious.

did they remove your cervix?
They removed mine and I've used a few different gynos since my hysterectomy due to moving across the U.S.; their opinions vary. Some want me to have a pap smear due to the chance of vaginal cancer; while a couple others say the risk is very small.
I finally just made up my mind to not have any more pap smears. I don't feel they are needed--how common is vaginal cancer,that is the question one must ask and answer for themselves.

[Las Vegas Mommy]

not only can they detect certain types of vaginal cancers. It also catches such things as bacterial infections and not the kind you get from sexual activity. Sometimes our hormones go out of whack and we get overproduction of our flora. Sometimes, you may not even know its taking place. It also gives you piece of mind, always better to be proactive with our health.