An important part of staying healthy is to have regular preventive well-woman exams. During this visit we will review your health history, medications you are taking, perform a physical exam and testing such as a Pap smear and blood work.

Preventive care includes:

  • Discussion of health topics based on your age, risk factors, and family history
  • Exams and screening tests for breast, colon, and cervical cancer
  • Immunizations
  • Sexually transmitted disease screening
  • Routine fasting blood work
  • Birth control

The four female OBGYNs at Associated Women’s Healthcare are all board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and are all members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They have extensive experience examining women of all ages during annual gynecology visits. They will walk you through each test they’re performing and help you feel at ease.

Contact Associated Women’s Healthcare today to schedule an appointment in Plano, TX. Give our office a call at 972.612.8829. We see patients from Plano, Garland, Frisco, Allen, Lewisville, and the surrounding area.

schedule an appointment

What Happens at Your Annual Gynecology Exam?

At this visit, your gynecologist will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period, and sexual activity. During your exam, your gynecologist will perform the following exams and tests along with ordering blood work if it is appropriate.  We conveniently have a lab in our office and offer routine fasting labs and STDs screening if you choose.

Breast Exam

At each annual exam your gynecologist will examine your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump, pain or discharge. She will discuss mammogram screening and ensure you are up to date.

Pelvic Exam

During your pelvic exam, your gynecologist will examine your vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries. If needed, a pap smear will be performed at this time.  Then your gynecologist will do a bimanual exam with her hand to check your uterus and ovaries.  This is an important yearly exam for your overall health even if you are not due for a pap smear.  Let us know if this is your first pelvic exam and we will expertly guide you through the process.

Pap Smear

A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. The gynecologist will use a brush on the cervix during your pelvic exam. Cells are removed from the cervix and sent to a laboratory to be checked for any abnormalities. Not everyone needs a pap smear every year, but this depends on your past history and we will review this with you at your annual exam.

Well Woman Visits in Plano, TX

What happens at each annual visit is tailored to your age, health history and personal needs.

Under Age 21
You will not need a pelvic exam during your visit if you are not having any symptoms or concerns. We will discuss your menstrual cycle and if you are sexually active we recommend STD testing and discussion of birth control.

At 21 Years old

Your first pap smear should be at age 21. If you are sexually active we recommend regular STD testing and discussion of birth control methods.

At 30 Years old

Be sure to talk with your OB-GYN if you are planning on getting pregnant. Continue to get an annual well-woman visit during your 30s to optimize your overall health

At 40 Years old

Screening for breast cancer with mammograms and colon cancer with colonoscopy starts in your 40s. If you’re having perimenopause symptoms, there may be ways to manage these symptoms.

At 50 Years old

During your 50s, it is recommended to get a lung cancer screening if you are a current or past smoker.  Continue regular mammograms and pap smear screening.  We can discuss the transition to menopause and any symptoms you may be having.

At 60+ Years old

Continue to get regular mammograms and osteoporosis screenings during your 60s.

Can Other Specific Concerns be Addressed at my Annual Exam?

The purpose of the annual exam is to ensure you are up to date with screening tests, evaluate your personal health risks and needs, discuss healthy lifestyle habits such as nutrition and exercise and immunizations.  If you are having a specific medical problem you need to address such as fibroids, pelvic pain, infertility or irregular menstrual cycle we should focus on addressing these during a consult visit. If you are not sure what type of visit you might need, give our office a call and we can assist you. 

Schedule Your Appointment with Associated Women’s Healthcare

For more information about our annual gynecology exams, or to set your appointment with one of our four female gynecologists, contact Associated Women’s Healthcare today! Our OBGYNs are all board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and will work with you to keep you as healthy as possible. Give our Plano, TX office a call at (972) 612-8829. We look forward to hearing from you soon!