Menopause and the need for routine pelvic exams?

I had surgically induced menopause at 50. After that, my primary stopped doing pelvic exams and PAP smears. Jump ahead 10+ years, and I self-referred myself to a gynecologist for concerns I was having. I was diagnosed and treated for undiagnosed lichen sclerosus and provided suggestions for vaginal atrophy. I am now 70, and still see her once a year, including today.

She mentioned that women in menopause should still have a routine pelvic exam. And it is a great time to ask hormone questions. She takes care of the prescriptions I need for Lichen Sclerosus and estrogen cream. In addition, it is a great time to ask for advice on over-the-counter products that can help you with other sexual issues you may be having. And she also suggested seeing a gynecologist for a pelvic exam and other discussions. She mentions that when talking with primary providers, they mention that by the time they talk about all your other medical issues in an appointment, they rarely have time left to do a pelvic exam and discuss "female" issues. Let's face it, the older we get, more medical issues we have that take up time during an appointment. And your primnary may not have the latest knowledge or treatment options as a gynecologist. There are exceptions where your primary is up to date and conducts a thorough exam that includes everything.

What has your experience been with perimenopause or post-menopause and doing routine pelvic exams?