Annual gynecology exams are the first step toward ensuring your reproductive health is in check. This exam is especially recommended when a woman is especially active and is meant to screen your breast and other gynecological issues.
It is also a great time for pre-pregnancy counseling, discussing preventive measures for STDs, and for you to discuss any concerns you may have.
What to do before the annual GYN exam
If this is your first visit and you are nervous, mention this to the gynecologist so that they can ease you into it and help you understand the process. Despite this being an annual exam, there are instances when you should schedule an appointment sooner.
Visit your gynecologist if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Severe pelvic pains
- Swelling and bumps in your vaginal area
- Tenderness or discharge from your breast
- Itching and foul smell from your vagina
- Urine incontinence
You don’t need much preparation for your annual gynecology exam but ensure you don’t douche or have sexual intercourse the day before the visit. If you start having your periods right before the visit, you should reschedule.
Which exams will be done during the annual gynecology visit?
Some of the tests your gynecologists will do include:
Pap smear
Every year, around 50 million pap smears are done in the united states and this has led to a dramatic increase in the number of cervical cancer cases. (1)
A pap smear is a type of exam used to check for cancerous or precancerous cells. The gynecologist takes a sample of your cervical cells and sends them to the laboratory for testing.
The results may take a couple of weeks to get back to you.
Pelvic exam
This exam involves a bimanual exam, a speculum exam, and an external genital exam. During the pelvic exam, you will lay on your back and your legs on stirrups after which the doctor will examine your labia for swellings, bumps, or visual indication of STDs.
For the cervical exam, a speculum will be inserted in your vagina to make it easy for the gynecologist to examine your pelvis.
Breast exam
This exam is painless and doesn’t take much time. The doctor will manually feel your breast for lumps and any discharge. They will also show you how to do a self-breast check.
Urine exam
A urine sample will be taken to test for pregnancy and other kidney infections.
Annual Gyn Exam: All You Need to Know
You should never miss your annual gynecologist visit. In addition to making sure you’re healthy, it is also a chance for you to ask any questions you might have. The gynecologist may ask personal questions but this is only to give them a comprehensive overview of your reproductive health.
Links to sources used
- Pap Smear | Additional Resources | Imaginis – https://www.imaginis.com/womens-health/pap-smear-2
