Annual Gynecology Exam in Dover, DE
An important part of staying healthy is to have regular gynecological exams beginning at age 21, 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 gynecologists with Dedicated to Women OBGYN are all board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and have extensive experience performing annual gynecologic exams to help keep women stay their healthiest. Contact us to schedule your annual exam with a board-certified gynecologist in Rehoboth Beach, Dover, Middletown, or Milford, DE. Give us a call today at (302) 674-0223.
What Should You Expect for Your Annual Gynecology Exam?
In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your doctor will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period, and sexual activities. During your exam, your doctor will perform the following exams and tests. If the doctor is male, a female nurse remains in the room during your exam.
Breast Exam
During your breast exam, your doctor 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 doctor 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 doctor will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Your doctor 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 doctor 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
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 obgyn 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 obgyn 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, a shingles shot, and a pneumonia shot, as well as others your doctor may recommend.
At 80 Years old
Discuss with your doctor ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your visions or hearing.
Schedule an Annual Exam with Dedicated to Women
Annual gynecologic exams are critical in making sure women stay on top of their health. If you’re seeking an annual exam in Delaware, contact Dedicated to Women OBGYN today to schedule an appointment. Our gynecologists are all board-certified and have extensive experience performing thorough gynecologic exams. We have four OBGYN clinics throughout Delaware in Dover, Middletown, Milford, and Rehoboth Beach.
