Preventive medicine and early detection are important in treating most medical conditions. As such, regular checkups are important to maintaining your health.
At each office visit, we review your medical history, family history, perform relevant physical exams, and order pertinent tests to help us understand your current state of health and wellness.
Depending on your age, risk factors, and/or findings from your current or previous visits, we may recommend tests to help us understand more about your state of health. Common gynecologic services we perform include pap smears, human papilloma virus (HPV) screening, vaginitis testing, sexually transmitted infection screening, vaccinations, ultrasounds, and general laboratory testing. We also recommend mammograms and bone density scans, and will recommend local imaging specialists to perform these tests.
Annual Exam
There’s a good chance you’re dreading it. . . the annual exam. While many women believe the purpose of an annual exam is to collect a pap smear, there is actually a lot more to the annual exam. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends a yearly visit with a provider even if you are not due for a pap smear. It is a great time to address various concerns surrounding your health, evaluate regular screening tests, and discuss any changes you have been experiencing.
What to Expect During Your Exam
A comprehensive medical history is taken, including a family history to assess possible familial cancer risks. A physical exam is performed, including an assessment of blood pressure, height and weight, and a pelvic and breast exam. We will also likely address:
-
Nutrition and physical activity
-
Sexual practices
-
Contraception
-
Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
-
Urinary symptoms
-
Recommended screening exams: cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid, colonoscopy, mammogram
-
Recommended vaccinations
Annual testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended for all sexually active adolescents and young women up to age 25. Routine HIV testing is recommended for all sexually active adolescents and women beginning at age 19 until age 64.
For women who are experiencing menopause and pre-menopausal symptoms, the annual exam is an important opportunity to talk about managing symptoms and hormone treatment options in addition to supplements and prevention of osteoporosis.
When or Why Should You Go
-
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the first reproductive health visit happens between ages 13 and 15. While pelvic exams are rarely required during these first visits, the annual exam helps to establish a doctor-patient relationship. Young women can ask any questions they have about their development and/or menstrual cycle, methods of birth control and how to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
-
Annual breast and abdominal exams should begin at age 19, and routine annual pelvic exams and Pap Tests begin at age 21.
-
Yearly, your gynecologist can address your menstrual cycle, any questions you may have about pregnancy, contraception, hormones, irregular or heavy menses, menopausal symptoms, and other health issues.
Contact MetroPartners OBGYN
If you’re due for your annual OBGYN appointment, give MetroPartners OBGYN a call and schedule an appointment.