A women’s GYN exam, also known as a well-woman visit, is recommended to adult women on an annual basis. This is a routine appointment in which the physician will assess the health of your reproductive system. Annual GYN exams are important for detecting concerns, answering your questions, and providing peace of mind.

In addition, an annual GYN exam provides a great opportunity to receive advice on STD prevention, family planning, and your lifestyle. The process is designed with your comfort in mind and is completely confidential, so you can feel at ease asking personal questions about your reproductive wellness.

After becoming sexually active or turning 21 years of age, you should come in for your first well-woman visit. At your initial appointment, the physician will go over the process, answer your questions, and provide you with a recommended frequency for follow-up visits. This schedule will be created with your age and health risks in mind.

Several components are typically included in an annual GYN exam. These include:

• Pelvic exam: The most time-consuming component of a well-woman visit is the examination of the pelvis. The healthcare provider will use a sterile tool, known as the speculum, to carefully separate the walls of the vagina to examine the cervix. The vulva and labia will also be examined for the presence of irritation, atypical discharge, or cysts.

• Breast exam: A brief breast exam is conducted to monitor for lumps or atypical discharge. The healthcare provider can also educate you on how to perform a self-breast exam.

• Pap smear: This procedure is used to screen for abnormal cervical cells. A Pap smear is necessary even if no symptoms are present, as it identifies the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells.

• STD screening: If you’re sexually active, the healthcare provider will recommend screenings for conditions such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.

It’s very important to come in for an annual GYN exam even if you don’t have any pressing concerns for several reasons. By doing so, you can avoid dormant conditions from progressing and significantly affecting your general wellness. For example, while many STDs are asymptomatic, especially in women, they can progress into serious pelvic or abdominal infections and become much more difficult to treat. In addition, it’s crucial to receive a Pap smear when the healthcare provider recommends it. This test detects abnormal cells and assists in the diagnosis of cervical cancer at an early stage.

Beyond the detection of health issues, annual well-woman visits provide you with an opportunity to have your questions about your reproductive health answered. If you are wondering about contraception options, family planning, or lifestyle adjustments to enhance your libido or general wellness, the practitioner will provide support and clarity.

In summary, annual GYN exams are highly valuable in terms of preserving your health and providing education on how to take care of your reproductive system correctly. Our dedicated practitioners are here to make you feel comfortable and informed throughout your visit.

A gynecological well-woman visit is quite similar to a regular physical exam, except the primary focus is on the health of the reproductive organs. When you arrive for your visit, a healthcare professional will take your weight, height, heart rate and blood pressure. Next, you will be taken to a private room and provided with a gown to change into. The doctor will knock on the door before entering to make sure you’re ready.

The physician will ask you some questions about your wellness, family health history, and if you have any concerns. After the discussion, the healthcare provider will perform a pelvic and breast exam. If necessary, a Pap smear will also be performed. The doctor will ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the process. At the end of your visit, you will have another opportunity to ask questions and the practitioner will inform you if additional screenings or lifestyle modifications are recommended. We serve patients in the Bay Area from Sunnyvale, CA, San Jose, CA, Los Altos CA, Santa Clara CA to Cupertino CA, and beyond.