An annual gynecological exam is an important tool for maintaining long term health and learning more about your body. This visit combines taking a detailed history and performing a physical exam, including a breast and pelvic exam. Your vital signs, weight and blood pressure will also be taken. The doctor will review any health updates, new medications, change in family history, and discuss healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise. In addition, several topics can be discussed, including menstrual history and/or problems, contraception, STD screening and prevention, pregnancy planning, and menopausal care. Your age group will determine which tests are necessary. Our practice takes pride in offering care to women throughout all stages of their reproductive and non-reproductive years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The provider will review your detailed history with specific attention to reproductive needs, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, menstrual periods, breast health, and preventive care. They will also perform a full physical exam including breast exam and pelvic exam and discuss any screening tests which are appropriate for your age group, depending on personal risk factors and family history. Finally, the provider will discuss ways to improve your health by discussing immunizations, exercise, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
A pelvic exam includes examining (looking at) the external genitalia, a speculum exam to visualize the vaginal canal and cervix, obtaining a pap smear (if indicated), and a bimanual exam to feel the uterus and ovaries.
A pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. After the speculum is inserted in the vagina, a small spatula and brush are used to collect cells from the cervix. Occasionally, it picks up cells from the uterus and can be useful in diagnosing uterine cellular abnormalities.
We encourage annual pap smears to increase detection of cervical cancer and to detect precancerous cell changes when they are in the earliest stages. A decreased interval of screening may be appropriate for certain patients.
Medicare pays for pap smears every other year, but they do not pay for annual gynecologic care. The fee for the time with the provider and the physical exam will need to be paid out of pocket.
