What to Expect at Your annual Gynecology Exam?

A Women’s wellness exam is a thorough examination of the female reproductive system to assess general health and wellness. The goal of an annual women’s wellness exam is to detect any abnormalities or changes early on when they are most easily treated and corrected.

During the course of the examination, the physician reviews the patient’s personal and family medical histories to gain a better understanding of their overall health picture. The doctor performs a physical examination which includes an examination of the female reproductive system and breasts, evaluation of body weight and vital signs, and a urine pregnancy test if necessary. Additionally, the doctor may recommend additional testing, such as an HPV swab, Pap test, or mammogram depending on her findings. Finally, the doctor discusses with each patient their findings, what they recommend moving forward, and answers any questions or concerns that they might have. Here is what is involved in an annual wellness exam.

• Pelvic Exam

A pelvic exam is a routine part of an annual wellness exam for women. During the pelvic exam, your OBGYN or women’s health physician will check your reproductive organs for lumps or anything else that’s out of the ordinary. Your doctor will also perform a Pap smear to test for cervical cancer.

During the pelvic exam, we will check for any abnormalities or changes that may be signs of cancer or other illness. We may perform an internal examination to feel your uterus and ovaries to check for any tenderness or swelling. We will also check for any changes in your vaginal discharge or any unusual smells.

A pelvic exam typically takes only a few minutes and can be done at your doctor’s office. Your doctor will also check for any abnormalities in your uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, rectum, bladder, and bowels. 

• Pap Smear

A pap smear is a vaginal test that detects abnormal cells that might indicate cervical cancer. The test involves taking a swab sample from the cervix and examining it under a microscope for abnormalities. These samples are generally collected from the lower portion of the vagina near the opening of the uterus.

Every woman over the age of 21 should have an annual gynecological wellness exam with the ob-gyn to check for any irregularities in her reproductive health. During the examination, the doctor will insert a small speculum into your vaginal canal to get a good view inside. The doctor will then take a clean alcohol-soaked cotton swab and gently scrape the surface of the cell walls of your cervix. This is the only uncomfortable part of the exam. After collecting a sample, the doctor will place the sample on a slide and examine it under a microscope to check for precancerous cells or cancerous cells. If they find unhealthy cells, they might recommend that the patient have further testing done to determine the source of the issue.

Since this procedure only takes a minute or two to complete, patients are usually in and out within 15 minutes or so. Patients are often shocked to find out how easy the procedure is, especially since they can experience so much anxiety leading up to it. Women should remember that this screening is one of the most important tests that any female can perform each year. Catching these diseases early on is very important in being able to effectively treat them successfully.

• Breast Exam

A thorough breast exam will be an important part of your annual women’s wellness exam. Your doctor will check your breasts for lumps, changes in size, and changes in shape or texture. During this time, your doctor will also palpate your breast tissue for any abnormalities such as pain, tenderness, inflammation, or nerve changes. These exams are especially important for women who have been treated for breast cancer in the past.

Your doctor may also recommend additional testing based on your personal health history. This may include mammograms, MRIs, thermography, or other imaging tests to help detect cancer early when it is most treatable.

During your annual wellness visit, your doctor may discuss family planning options such as birth control pills, patches, rings, IUDs, or condoms. They may also offer information on shots to prevent diseases such as HPV and hepatitis. Finally, they will discuss healthy lifestyle choices, including exercise, sleep habits, and nutrition.

• Urine Analysis

During a women’s wellness visit, the healthcare provider will collect a urine sample to check kidney and bladder health. The collection involves the woman urinating into a cup, and then the sample is sent to the lab for analysis, and the results are sent to the provider within a day or two of the woman’s appointment. Urine analysis can check for signs of infection or blood in the urine. It can also check for the presence of protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, pH, leukocytes, nitrates, and other compounds that could indicate various conditions associated with the urinary tract.

A urine test can also be done to check for the presence of a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection. The test can also determine if a woman is pregnant or not, as well as detect the presence of the human papillomavirus, which is a risk factor for cervical cancer. These tests allow your provider to find and address problems early to prevent more serious health conditions from developing later.

To find out more about the healthcare services we offer at MediPro Pain & Performance, Beaverton, OR, call (503) 828-9265 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 17933 NW Evergreen Place, Ste 285, Beaverton, OR 97006.