What to Expect at Your Annual Gynecology Exam

An annual exam with your gynecologist is considered a routine part of health maintenance for women, similar to visiting once per year with your primary care provider. The goal of this visit is to make sure your women’s health needs are addressed on a regular basis, to complete a breast and pelvic examination if indicated, and to update your screening tests for female cancers. Although this visit can provoke anxiety for lots of people, your gynecologist is here to treat you in the most professional and comfortable way possible. In order to decrease some of this anxiety, it is important to know what to expect when you come for your annual gynecology exam.

When should you first visit a gynecologist?

Typically young women start seeing a gynecologist in their teen years, but this can vary based on individual needs. For example – some pre-teen girls may struggle with problematic periods and need to see a gynecologist sooner. Other women may not see a gynecologist until they are ready to initiate sexual activity or seek birth control. It is important that all women begin care with a provider that can complete cervical cancer screening (by doing a Pap smear) starting at age 21.

What questions will be asked at the annual exam visit?

The visit usually begins with the doctor asking lots of questions about your health, including your current medical conditions and past surgical history. Some of these questions may seem personal, including questions about your menstrual period, your sexual activity, your birth control plans, and your thoughts about future pregnancy. However, it is important to answer these questions truthfully so that your doctor knows how to best care for you. All information you give your doctor is confidential. You should be prepared to tell your doctor about your periods (how often you have one, how much you bleed, and whether you experience pain). If you are having symptoms such as breast pain, vaginal discharge, hot flashes, or trouble urinating – it is important to let the doctor know this as well. The answers to these health questions can help your doctor find out if any additional evaluation is needed today or at future visits. Questions about your family history can help your doctor determine if you are at increased risk for certain health conditions, including cancers of the breast or reproductive system.

What physical examination is typically done at an annual exam visit?

Your doctor will assess your general health by checking your vital signs (including your weight and blood pressure). They may use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs and will also perform a general examination to look for signs such as abdominal pain or leg swelling. A clinical breast exam is offered once per year at your annual exam and involves the doctor feeling for any symptoms of breast cancer such as a mass or unusual nipple discharge. A pelvic exam is done to assess the reproductive organs. A full pelvic exam involves a visual inspection of the vulva (outside of the vagina), insertion of a speculum to see the vagina and cervix, and a manual exam to feel the uterus and ovaries. Depending on your age and health history, a full examination may not be needed every year. If you feel uncomfortable with having an exam the first time you meet your doctor, please make sure to let them know!

What cancer screenings are done by a gynecologist?

The two most common cancers screened for during a gynecology visit are breast cancer and cervical cancer. To screen for breast cancer, your gynecologist will perform a breast exam. If you are 40 years or older, you will be instructed to start annual mammograms as well. Screening for breast cancer may begin earlier in women with a strong family history, genetic risk factor, or abnormal exam finding. To screen for cervical cancer, women age 21 and older will receive a Pap smear. Pap smears done after age 30 will also include testing for HPV (human papillomavirus), which is a known risk factor for cervical cancers. The pelvic exam portion of your physical also helps gynecologists detect vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and ovarian cancer but there are no specific screening tests for these diseases.

How can I schedule my gynecology annual?

Please call 423-629-9743 or 423-899-9133 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced and knowledgeable providers.