What is an Annual Physical Exam?

 

An annual physical exam, also known as an annual checkup, is a yearly visit to your healthcare provider to ensure your overall health is good and to detect any potential medical issues early. For women, this includes screening for gynecologic cancers and other health concerns.

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What to Expect During Your Annual Exam

 

- Breast Exam: Your provider will check for lumps or other abnormalities.

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- Pelvic Exam: This may include an examination of the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs. If you are under 21 and not sexually active, you will likely not receive a pelvic exam.

 

- Pap Smear: This test screens for cervical cancer and may be recommended during your annual exam. However, it is not typically required for women under 21. Due to advances in technology, yearly pap smears are no longer necessary for everyone and may be recommended every 3-5 years depending on your history and symptoms.

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Importance of Annual Exams

 

Even if a pap smear is not performed every year, it is essential to have an annual checkup to monitor your overall health and address any concerns. Regular exams help in early detection and management of potential health issues, contributing to your long-term well-being.

Gynecologic Cancer Screening

 

Our gynecologic cancer screenings are a vital part of the annual exam. These screenings help in the early detection of potential cancer symptoms. During your exam, we may identify areas of concern based on your symptoms or physical findings. If there are any suspicious signs, we will recommend additional testing to ensure a thorough investigation.

 

Regular screenings include:

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- Pap Smear: This test screens for cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix.

 

- HPV Testing: Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing can help identify high-risk strains of the virus that may lead to cervical cancer.

 

- Pelvic Exam: A physical examination to check for abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs.

 

- Colposcopy: A detailed examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva using a specialized magnifying instrument, recommended if abnormal cells are found during a Pap smear.

 

- Endometrial Biopsy: A procedure to collect a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus to check for cancerous or precancerous cells.

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Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk

 

We are living in an exciting era where genetic testing is more accessible and affordable. If you have a strong family history of cancer, genetic testing may be recommended to assess your risk. This process is straightforward and can be completed in our office.