Does a woman that has had a hysterectomy need a pelvic exam and pap test?

My dr. frequently mentions I need a pelvic & pap test, at least every 6 months he or the nurse will say something about this. I then say I have had surgery and they say oh. The last time I received a message on my phone which included the warning that I needed this exam, and when I called back the office was closed and I asked if I needed to have this since I had had surgery. Have not gotten an answer.

Yes, a hysterectomy does not protect you from cervical cancer. You do need regular pap tests, but I would suggest every 3 years, not every 6 months.

I would say yes just because there are diseases you can get even though you do not have a uterus anymore.

You still need a pap and pelvic exam. My mom had a complete hysterectomy and still went regualrly for exams, you can still get things like hpv and cancer even if you've had a hysterectomy!

Yes, but I don't know why. My mother and sister have both had complete hysterectomies and both still go for pap smears. Something about still having a cervix? I think that's the reason -- ask your doctor when you go in. :)

My cervix was removed when I had my hysterectomy, so my doc says I don't need Pap smears, but he continues to do pelvic exams yearly.