An important part of staying healthy is to have regular gynecological exams beginning at age 18, or within three years of becoming sexually active.
Preventive care includes:
- Discussion of health topics based on your age and risk factors
- Exams and screening tests
- Immunizations
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.
What Should You Expect from Your Annual Gynecology Exams?
In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your gynecologist will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period, and sexual activities. During your exam, your gynecologist will perform the following exams and tests.
Breast Exam
During your breast exam, your gynecologist will check your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump. He or she will examine each breast by moving his or her fingers around your breast in a pattern. You may also be shown how to perform monthly self-examinations.
Pelvic Exam
During your pelvic exam, your gynecologist will examine your vagina, cervix, and reproductive organs. Once you place your feet against footrests at the end of the examining table and slide forward, your gynecologist will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Your gynecologist then places one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina and the other hand presses on your abdomen from the outside to check the size, position, and shape of your internal pelvic organs. The pelvic exam may feel a bit uncomfortable, but should not hurt.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. The gynecologist will insert a small cotton-tipped swab through the vagina into the cervix. Cells are removed from the cervix and sent to a laboratory to be checked for any abnormalities. The Pap smear is painless.
Well Woman Visits in Plano, TX
These assessments should include screening, evaluation and counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors.
At 20 Years old
You should have your first pap test if you haven?t already and have a sexually transmitted infection screening if necessary.
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.
At 40 Years old
Decide with your ob-gyn when you should have a mammogram, especially if you have certain risk factors. If you?re having perimenopause symptoms, there may be ways to manage these symptoms.
At 50 Years old
During your 50s, it is good to get a lung cancer screening if you are a current or past smoker. It is also time to have a preventative screening for colorectal cancer.
At 60 Years old
Continue to get regular mammograms and osteoporosis screenings during your 60s.
At 70 Years old
Be sure to get a seasonal flu shot, shingles shot, and a pneumonia shot, as well as others your gynecologist may recommend.
At 80 Years old
Discuss with your gynecologist ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your visions or hearing.
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!