By ABC-7's Ken Molestina

Controversy erupted when a medical panel issued new guidelines saying women do not need to get regular mammograms before the age of 50.

That drew a quick response from the American Cancer Society, which said that was not true.

Now, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is saying woman can cut back on the number of pap smears they get for cervical cancer screening.

Not everyone agrees with their suggestion, but one El Paso doctor begs to differ.

Pap smear exams can be a very uncomfortable experience for women, but now those who are considered a low risk of contracting the Human Papilloma Virus may not need to get checked annually, medical experts say.

HPV is the virus that leads to cervical cancer.

Doctor Wendy Phipps, an El Paso gynecologist, says the new guidelines can be very effective if women are responsible with their health care.

"The more we understand HPV, the more we know annual paps in low risk people is not necessary," says Dr. Phipps.

However, the fear is that women who fear the exam may be tempted to skip it due to the relaxed guidelines.

"People already don't take it as seriously as they should," says 22-year-old Claudia Casa, who isn't taking any chances. She plans to continue her annual checkups despite the recommendations.

Claudia says, "it's gonna be more scary when you're diagnosed with such a disease."

According to the new guidelines, women in their 20s with normal pap results can wait to get their exams every other year as opposed to every year. Healthy women in their 30s can wait up to three years; meanwhile, women should no longer start getting them at 18, but rather at 21.

Although the guidelines have changed, Dr. Phipps says women should still come in once a year to see their gynecologist to get pelvic exams as well as mammograms. "It's gonna be a battle because we've been doing things differently for the past 35 years," she says.

Claudia says in her case, it's all about prevention. "Ultimately, I think it's safe to go instead of wondering."

Women contract HPV mainly through sex with men. Even though men rarely show any symptoms or side effects, medical experts say sexual contact can be sufficient to contract the virus.

Concerning green card applicants, the rules are changing too. Beginning December 14th, the HPV vaccine will no longer be a requirement for girls and women wishing to get a green card to immigrate to the United States.