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Let's discuss everything you need to know and expect about your first annual appointment.
ANNUAL TESTING AND SCREENING
Let's discuss everything you need to know and expect at your first Gynecologist annual appointment
WHERE TO START
When wanting to schedule an appointment related to women's reproductive health there are two routes that you can take. This process can begin with a Gynecologist or an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN). A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes specifically in women's reproductive health. A Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a doctor that specializes in all aspects of pregnancy and women's reproductive health) either way, both are great starting points.
WHEN
Starting at the age of 21 Gynceocolgist recommend that women should begin to have their first gynecologic annual exam. This annual exam consists of a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and a pap test (pap smear) whether you are or are not sexually active. If there is any portion of the exam you would not like to get done please note that you do have the option to decline care). Although these exams are here to ensure you are healthy and that your doctor is providing you with the best plan of care.
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Under 21?
Women younger than twenty-one can also make an appointment with a Gynecologist, and it is recommended that young women do so before becoming sexually active.
No matter the age women should see a gynecologist if they have any questions or concerns regarding their feminine health (examples include but are not limited to the following: breast, discharge, menstrual cycles, fertility, wanting to start birth control, STD testing and so much more).
BEFORE THE EXAM
A gown and drape will be provided to you the patient before the examination begins. You will be asked to get completely undressed when the healthcare provider has left the room. You should then complete the following instructions and take a seat on the examination tableÂ
With the drape laying across your lap while waiting for the doctor to come in and greet you and discuss any concerns you may have. Then it is time for the examination to begin.
The Breast Exam
This exam involves the doctor examining the breast through appearance and palpitation for any lumps or abnormalities pertaining to breast cancer.
In addition, Women That are of age 40 should begin mammogram screening. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that indicates signs of breast cancer (women can have their Gynecologist place an order for a mammogram screening to be done when they are of age).
The Pelvic Exam & Pap Test
This portion of the exam involves the doctor examining the outside of the pelvic region. The doctor looks for any abnormalities or concerns. The doctor may look for abnormalities that include but are not limited to sores, redness, irregular discharge, swelling, cyst, etc.
The pelvic exam and the pap test kind of tie in together. While the pelvic exam examines and checks the outside, the pap test (also known to many women as the Pap smear) examines and checks the inside. This portion of the exam is where most women ( mostly first-time patients) become apprehensive about (but they should be reassured that during this portion of the exam some may experience a slight feeling of discomfort and or pressure but this portion majority of the time is never painful). During this exam, the doctor will need to collect a sample of the cells from the cervix. This part is crucial because it notifies the doctor of any signs of cervical cancer
After The Examination
Once the examination is over the patient will be able to resume back to regular activities without any limitations.