An annual or well-woman exam is a snapshot of your reproductive health, but your care team also cares about your overall health. 

An annual gynecological exam may include:

• A physical exam: Nursing staff will check your weight, blood pressure, and temperature. They’ll review your current medicines and any changes to your health.
• A pelvic exam: Your clinician can check the health of your reproductive organs by looking at your vulva, vagina, and cervix. They may do an internal exam to assess the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries.
• Cancer screenings: Cancer screenings check for signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions before they have symptoms.
• Vaccines: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer by preventing cancer-causing viral infections. You may also get hepatitis B, flu, tetanus, or varicella zoster vaccines. What vaccines you need depends on your immunization history, your age, and if you’re currently pregnant.
• Family planning: Your clinician can suggest a birth control method that’s right for you. You can discuss any changes or issues you’re having with your current birth control.
• Asking questions: You can bring up issues like period pain, pelvic pain, fertility issues, menopause, or infections.
• Everyday health concerns: At some points in life, your OB/GYN may be who you see most often. They can address diet, exercise, stress, and other health issues.

Cancer screenings

Your annual exam is also the place to get regular cancer screenings. What screenings you get—and when—depends on your age and family medical history.

Cervical cancer screenings include:

• Pap smear: Your clinician will gently open your vagina with an instrument called a speculum and collect a sample of cells from your cervix. Lab workers then check for cervical cancer and abnormal cells that could turn into cancer.
• HPV test: Your clinician will collect cervical cells like in the Pap test. This test checks for the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, not the presence of cellular changes.
• Co-test: This tests for both cervical cellular changes and HPV in one test.

For women at average risk, Pap smear screening is recommended every 3 years for ages 21 – 29. For ages 30 – 65, options include a Pap test every 3 years, Pap plus high-risk HPV testing every 5 years, or primary HPV testing every 5 years. Screening is not recommended for women under 21 or over 65 with adequate prior negative results and no high-risk factors.

Breast cancer screening includes:

• Breast exam: Your clinician may offer an examination of your breasts and armpit area for lumps or other changes.
• Referral for a mammogram: People with breasts should begin regular mammograms at age 40 or earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. 
   

Anyone who has female reproductive organs should see a gynecologist, OB/GYN, or midwife every year for a checkup.

Generally, you should start seeing a gynecologist if you've been through puberty. Yearly exams between 13 and 15 years old. At this age, the exam will be primarily educational. They may include discussions about birth control, vaccination, and an external exam.

If a Pap smear isn't needed, an annual exam allows you to discuss other issues including menopause, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual function issues.

It’s normal to feel nervous before a gynecologist visit, especially if it’s your first one. Rest assured that your care team will do everything possible to put you at ease.

Before your exam

Write down what you want to discuss with your clinician. This may include symptoms, problems, or concerns. It’s easy to forget questions in the office.

If you’re having your period, you may need to reschedule your visit, if a Pap smear is required. Call the office to ask whether that’s necessary.

During your exam

Nursing staff will check your weight, blood pressure, and temperature and ask questions. 

You’ll go to an exam room. The nurse will ask you to remove all your clothes and put on a gown before leaving the room. The clinician will then come in, talk with you, and perform the exam.

Depending on your age and health issues, your visit may include a pelvic exam, Pap test, and breast exam. Your clinician will also ask about your health history, stress levels, and any specific concerns or questions you have. 

It’s important to be open and honest about your health concerns. Your care team will do everything possible to help you feel comfortable during a routine pelvic exam, which takes only a few minutes.

After your exam

After your exam and when the clinician leaves the room, you’ll get dressed. Before leaving the office, schedule next year’s visit or any needed follow-up appointments or testing. Be sure to follow through on any health or lifestyle recommendations.

You shouldn’t have any discomfort following a routine pelvic exam. You may have a little spotting after a Pap or HPV test. It may look red or feel hot where you got a vaccine.