Annual Wellness Exams
General Information
The annual gynecological exam is a yearly preventative and diagnostic examination that serves to maintain the wellness of female patients, as well as to monitor any ongoing physical or hormonal conditions. This annual visit is an opportunity for providers to counsel patients about maintaining healthy lifestyles and minimizing health risks. The examination includes a routine breast and pelvic exam, and may include a screening for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
When
When Should a Woman Have Her First GYN Exam?
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends:
- A woman’s first reproductive health visit should take place between ages 13 and 15 (this first visit is often simply a discussion between patient and doctor)
- Annual breast and pelvic exams should begin at age 19
- Pap tests should begin at age 21
What to Expect
What to Expect at Your Annual Wellness Exam at Belfiore Wellness Center.
Whatever your age, an annual GYN exam includes:
- An assessment of your current health status
- A breast exam to check for lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge
- A pelvic exam to check your vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, rectum, and pelvis, including your ovaries, for masses, growths or other abnormalities
- A Pap test to screen for cervical cancer
Your doctor may also recommend you for your regular mammogram as part of your annual GYN exam.
Annual testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended for sexually active adolescents and young women up to age 25. Routine HIV testing is recommended for all sexually active women beginning at age 19 until 64.
What if...
What If I Don’t Need an Annual Pap Test?
Based on recommendations from leading medical groups, an annual Pap test is no longer recommended for most women. But that doesn’t mean you should go without an annual GYN exam.
This is because the Pap test only screens for cervical cancer, not other conditions like sexually transmitted diseases, endometrial and ovarian cancer, or fibroids. Your doctor still needs to examine you to make sure there are no lumps, bumps, or lesions that shouldn’t be there. And you should still have an annual breast exam.
Do I...
Do I Still Need an Annual Exam if I’m Menopausal?
Based on recommendations from leading medical groups, an annual Pap test is no longer recommended for most women. But that doesn’t mean you should go without an annual GYN exam.
This is because the Pap test only screens for cervical cancer, not other conditions like sexually transmitted diseases, endometrial and ovarian cancer, or fibroids. Your doctor still needs to examine you to make sure there are no lumps, bumps, or lesions that shouldn’t be there. And you should still have an annual breast exam.
Is it?
Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam at Belfiore Wellness Center?