Table 2. Prevalence and Frequency of BPE and Pap Test Among Young Women Aged 15-20 Years in the United States, 2011-2017 National Survey of Family Growtha.
| Outcome | Prevalence, % (95% CI) | Frequency, Weighted Population (×1000) |
|---|---|---|
| BPE | ||
| Ever | 29.1 (26.7-31.7) | 3300 |
| In the past 12 mo | 22.9 (20.7-25.3) | 2591 |
| Medically indicated | 45.6 (40.1-51.2) | 1182 |
| Potentially unnecessary | 54.4 (48.8-59.9) | 1409 |
| Pap test | ||
| Ever | 25.4 (23.2-27.8) | 2864 |
| In the past 12 mo | 19.2 (17.2-21.4) | 2173 |
| Part of a routine examination | 71.9 (66.0-77.1) | 1563 |
| Because of a medical problem | 15.3 (11.5-19.9) | 332 |
| Other reason | 12.8 (9.6-16.9) | 278 |
Abbreviations: BPE, bimanual pelvic examination; Pap test, Papanicolaou test.
a
Includes 3410 respondents. Discernable medical indications for a BPE in the past 12 months included pregnancy, intrauterine device use, received the examination because of a medical problem or other reason, and treatment for a sexually transmitted infection. If a female respondent had 1 or more of these indications and received a BPE in the past 12 months, the examination was considered medically indicated; otherwise, the examination was considered potentially unnecessary.