Ob-Gyn Group Lists Procedures That May Not Be Needed

Five tests and procedures that obstetricians/gynaecologists and their patients should question the need for are outlined.

• Elective, non-medically indicated inductions of labour or caesarean deliveries should not be scheduled before 39 weeks' gestation. Delivery prior to 39 weeks has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of learning disabilities and a potential increase in illness and death.
• Elective, non-medically indicated inductions of labour between 39 weeks' and 41 weeks' gestation should not be scheduled unless the cervix is deemed favourable.
• Routine annual Pap tests are not needed in women aged 30 to 65. In average-risk women, an annual screening offers no advantages over screening every three years.
• Treatment is not needed in average-risk women who have "mild dysplasia," which is associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), for a period of less than two years.
• For average-risk women with no symptoms, there is no need to screen for ovarian cancer. In these women, the potential harms of screening outweigh the potential benefits.