pap smears

Some tests that used to be part of an annual physical are no longer recommended. Others can be done less often. Still, seeing your doctor regularly for a face-to-face chat may help your health.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Now that Pap tests for cervical cancer are needed less often, young women may not be getting the recommended annual test for chlamydia.

The Pap smear has dramatically decreased rates of cervical cancer, but testing too often has a downside, too. Many women say they aren't yet ready to follow new guidelines and skip the annual tests.

Women in the developing world may never be tested for cervical cancer. Clinics are far away, cultural biases may keep them away. Now an inexpensive test lets them do it themselves.