Experts Say Routine Pelvic Exams May Not Be Necessary

BOSTON (CBS) - Ladies, do you really need to have another pelvic exam?

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, a panel of health experts, says there isn't enough evidence to recommend for or against routine pelvic exams in otherwise healthy women.

It may not prolong women's lives.

This is welcome news to the millions of women who find pelvic exams uncomfortable or stressful, but the panel says they're not suggesting doctors stop performing them.

They simply say more research needs to be done to decide whether they should stay or go.That said, cervical cancer screening is still recommended every three to five years.