10 Reasons You Should Have an Annual Gynecological Exam

An annual gynecological exam is so important to your health, and yet so many women put it off. Why? Busy schedules, family issues and work commitments often get in the way. These exams are about much more than getting a Pap smear. Your well-woman exam  is about much more.

During these gynecological exams, we learn vital information about your health that can help prevent more serious problems later on.

Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of 10 reasons that you should always make—and keep—your annual gynecological exam.

10 Reasons You Should Have a Well-Woman Exam

• To Have Health Screenings

This is a time for much more than gynecological exam procedures. It’s a time to screen you for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. We can also determine if you’re at risk for developing osteoporosis through a bone density test. We can also screen for risks predisposing you to develop osteoporosis and order a bone density scan if you meet criteria.  We can guide you on healthy lifestyle habits to improve your overall health.

1. 1. To be VaccinatedVaccines are an important part of helping you remain healthy.  We provide vaccinations against HPV, the flu and other diseases.

• To Check for Cancer

Pap smears can help us detect cervical cancer, and a clinical breast exam can enable us to discover lumps that need to be examined more carefully. If you’d like, you can schedule your mammogram at the same time. At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we believe your annual screening should also be convenient.

1. 1. To Discuss Birth Control Options (Contraceptive Management)When it comes to birth control, there are several different options, and it may be difficult to select the one that is right for you. In addition to the birth control pill, we offer other types of contraception like:
      • Contraceptive patch
      • Depo-Provera
      • IUDs
      • Nexplanon (which is inserted into the arm)
      • Nuvaring
      • Diaphragms
      • Natural family planning

• To Undergo Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening

Did you know that many with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may not know they have one and unknowingly spread it to their partners?

For example, HPV is one of the most common infections, affecting roughly 80 percent of all sexually active Americans, and sometimes it shows no symptoms at all. HPV can lead to cervical cancer.

Some STIs can cause certain types of cancer, organ damage and even infertility. We encourage our patients who are sexually active to make STI screening a part of their regular health care routine.

1. 1. To Help You with Weight ControlDo you have a healthy BMI? That stands for Body Mass Index, and it can help you determine whether or not you need to lose weight. We’ll work closely with you, providing important education about exercise, obesity and nutritional information. Not sure of your BMI? You can calculate your BMI online.

• Your Annual Gynecological Exam Is a Good Time To Discuss Concerns About Sex

Is intercourse painful for you? If so, you’re not alone. You may be surprised to know how many women are affected by this problem. Maybe hormonal changes have made sex uncomfortable or you’re just not “in the mood” anymore. We’ll discuss what happens during intercourse, including different forms of sex and address treatment options for decreased libido.

1. 1. To Be Screened for DepressionDepression is much more than merely “having the blues.” If untreated, it can become a serious illness. It’s also very common; it affects roughly 17.3 million Americans (7.1 percent of the adult population). It’s also much more prevalent in women than men. We’ll be glad to conduct a depression screening and provide help.

• To Discuss Pregnancy Planning

Planning to have a baby? Don’t wait until you get pregnant to schedule an appointment with us. We want you and your baby to have the healthiest start possible, and that often involves taking care of issues before you become pregnant.

We can also help by explaining how much folic acid you need to take and how to follow a nutritional plan. We’ll also be glad to discuss any fertility concerns you have.

1. To Help with Menstrual Period IssuesYour period has a lot to say about your health. Abnormal bleeding can be indicative of problems such as uterine polyps, fibroids, endometriosis pelvic inflammatory disease or even polycystic ovary syndrome.

   When you schedule your annual gynecological exam, it helps for you to have a record of your period—when it starts, how many days you bleed and any irregularities. This will assist us in providing a treatment plan tailored to you

Associates in Women’s Healthcare: With You on Every Step of Your Journey

As you see, your annual gynecological exam is an important time for us to guide you throughout your lifetime to ensure you are in the best health possible. Whether you’re planning your first pregnancy or you’re starting birth control, we are here for you. Contact us for an appointment today so we can work with you on your journey of wellness.

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This article was reviewed by Dr. Linda Mohr.