Preventative Health/Annual OBGYN Exam

Your annual OBGYN exam is a valuable opportunity to stay informed, proactive, and empowered about your health. By attending these routine visits, you’re taking important steps towards maintaining your reproductive health and overall well-being.

What Is Preventative Health Care?

Preventative health care is about taking proactive steps to maintain your health and catch potential issues early, before they develop into serious conditions. It includes routine check-ups, screenings and guidance on lifestyle choices, all aimed at preventing diseases or managing them in their early stages.

By focusing on prevention, you can improve your quality of life, lower the risk of illness, and feel empowered to take control of your health. For women, this often involves regular gynecological exams to ensure their reproductive and overall well-being is carefully monitored.

What Is an Annual OBGYN Exam?

An annual OBGYN exam is a key part of preventative health services for women. This yearly visit with a gynecologist focuses on assessing your reproductive health, providing necessary screenings and addressing any concerns you might have about your body. Even if you're feeling healthy, it’s important to schedule your annual OBGYN exam to catch potential issues early, get advice on managing your health, and keep your reproductive system in good condition. It’s also an opportunity to discuss emotional and lifestyle factors that affect your overall well-being.

What Is Included in an Annual OBGYN Exam?

The annual OBGYN exam is comprehensive, focusing on your reproductive and general health, and it’s a key part of ensuring you stay healthy throughout every stage of life. Here’s what you can expect during this important visit:

Medical History Review

Your doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history in detail. This includes not only your past illnesses, surgeries and family history but also important aspects of your reproductive health, such as your menstrual cycle (its regularity, length, and any symptoms like cramping or heavy bleeding), sexual activity, contraceptive use and any previous pregnancies.

If you've had any fertility issues or miscarriages, these will also be part of the discussion. This is the time to mention any changes you’ve noticed in your health, even if they seem minor. For example, any unexpected weight gain or loss, changes in your energy levels or emotional health concerns such as anxiety or depression. These factors can all impact your reproductive health. A thorough understanding of your history allows your doctor to tailor their advice and care plan specifically to your needs.

Physical Examination

The physical exam is an essential part of your annual OBGYN exam. First, your doctor will check your vital signs, such as blood pressure, weight, heart rate and sometimes even temperature. This is important for assessing your overall health and catching early signs of conditions like hypertension or heart disease, which can affect your reproductive system.

Next, you’ll have a breast exam. During this exam, your doctor will manually feel your breasts for any lumps, thickening or other abnormalities that might indicate issues such as cysts or breast cancer. You may also discuss any changes you’ve noticed, like nipple discharge or skin changes. Your doctor might recommend a mammogram based on your age or family history, especially if you're over 40 or have risk factors for breast cancer.

Then, your doctor will conduct a female genital examination. They will check for any signs of inflammation, infection, abnormal growths or skin changes that could indicate conditions like yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or even skin cancers.

Pelvic Examination

The pelvic exam focuses on your internal reproductive organs. During this part of the exam, your doctor will gently insert a speculum, a medical tool that helps them to see inside your vagina and examine your cervix. This might feel a little uncomfortable, but it should not be painful, and your doctor will take care to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible.

Your doctor will look for any abnormalities in the cervix or vaginal walls, such as polyps, infections or signs of conditions like endometriosis or cervical dysplasia (precancerous changes). If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as pain during intercourse, irregular bleeding, or unusual discharge, your doctor may pay extra attention to identifying the possible causes.

Screening Tests

Your screening tests can vary based on your age, health history and risk factors.

• Pap smear: A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer by collecting cells from your cervix to check for abnormalities. Pap smears are typically recommended every three years, but this might change depending on your age or past results. If you have a history of abnormal Pap smears, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.
• HPV testing: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to cervical cancer. Your doctor may recommend an HPV test, particularly if you’re over 30. This test can often be done at the same time as your Pap smear.
• STI screenings: Depending on your sexual activity and any risk factors, your doctor might suggest testing for sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or HIV. These tests can often be done with a urine sample or a swab during the pelvic exam. Even if you don’t have symptoms, screening is important since many STIs don’t cause noticeable signs but can still impact your health.
• Mammograms and bone density tests: If you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend a mammogram to screen for breast cancer. For postmenopausal women, a bone density test may be discussed to assess your risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures.

What Happens at an Annual OBGYN Exam?

When you arrive for your yearly OBGYN checkup, your doctor’s primary focus will be on ensuring you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:

1. Your OBGYN will begin by asking about your general health, any new symptoms, and any concerns you may have about your reproductive system or overall wellness. Whether it's changes in your menstrual cycle, discomfort during sex, or questions about contraception, this is your time to bring up anything on your mind.
2. Your doctor will perform a breast exam to check for lumps or any changes in your breast tissue. They may also examine the external genital area to ensure everything appears normal and healthy.
3. A speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina so that your doctor can examine your cervix and vaginal walls. This part of the exam is crucial for detecting any potential issues like infections or abnormal growths. You may also have a Pap smear, where a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing. If you're due for an HPV test, this can be done at the same time.
4. Depending on your medical history and age, additional tests such as STI screenings, mammograms or blood work may be recommended.
5. After the examination, your doctor will go over the results with you. They’ll discuss anything that came up during the exam and offer recommendations for treatment, lifestyle adjustments or follow-up appointments if necessary. This is also the perfect time to ask questions about birth control, fertility, menopause or any other aspect of your health.

Why Choose Valley Baptist Physician Network

At Valley Baptist Physician Network, we provide patient-centered women's health prevention services, tailoring treatments to meet individual needs and ensuring optimal outcomes. From consultation to recovery, our supportive environment focuses on minimizing discomfort and enhancing your quality of life.