Women have special health needs and benefit from tailored annual exams that evaluate their overall health and wellness, with an emphasis on gynecological and reproductive health. At Poplar Avenue Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, the team of board-certified OB/GYNs provides comprehensive annual exams to women that include preventive screenings to ensure long-term good health. Call today to schedule yours or use the online tool to request an appointment.
The annual exam at Poplar Avenue Clinic focuses on a woman’s pelvic organ health. Your provider reviews your general health and discusses any changes or symptoms.
You’ll then lie on an exam table for your pelvic exam. The doctor examines the inner and outer area of your vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, breasts, and other reproductive organs. They also do important screenings like a Pap test as well as provide recommendations for mammograms.
Depending on your age, sexual history, and medical health, you’ll receive information about family planning and menopause.
It’s a good idea to begin annual exams in your teens, around age 13-15. Though this appointment will not include a pelvic exam, it does give a girl time to develop a connection with an OB/GYN provider and ask questions about gynecological health.
After age 21, you’ll begin having regular pelvic exams and Pap tests to check for human papillomavirus (HPV) and early signs of cervical cancer. Clinical breast exams are included as part of these annual exams, though regular mammograms don’t usually begin until you’re in your 40s.
An annual exam is an important part of your preventive care. It includes screenings to determine if you may be at risk of health problems like:
You should also raise questions about gynecological health issues that are relevant to you, like birth control, painful sexual intercourse, pregnancy plans, and sexually transmitted diseases. Ask questions if you experience bleeding or pain after sex, are concerned about pregnancy, or have an unusual vaginal discharge or smell.
A Pap test detects irregularities in cells present on your cervix. The test involves using a swab to take a sample of cells from this organ and sending it to a lab for analysis. Abnormal Pap results are not a diagnosis of cancer, but do indicate that further screenings may be necessary.
At Poplar Avenue Clinic, the doctors recommend you get your first Pap test at age 21 and repeat them every three years until age 65. Women who have a history of abnormal tests or a family history of cervical cancer may need them more frequently.
If you’re in need of an annual exam, call Poplar Avenue Clinic today to set up your appointment. Alternatively, use the online tool to schedule your exam.
