What to Expect at Your Gynecological Exam

One of the best ways to safeguard your health is to have a gynecological exam every year. This exam, which is also known as a well-woman exam, is important because it gives your provider time to answer your questions, educate you about preventive care, and find health problems early, when they’re easier to treat.

At Albany Obstetrics & Gynecology, our care providers are committed to helping you stay as healthy as possible. We look forward to seeing you for your annual exam. Here’s what you can expect during your checkup.

Questions and answers

You and your provider each do a fair amount of talking during your annual exam. We ask questions about your health, your personal and family health history, your lifestyle, your concerns, and your plans for having children.

We also answer any questions you may have about symptoms, sexuality, and other health concerns. Be sure to have your questions ready.

A physical and pelvic exam

Your visit includes a physical exam, during which we check your blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and other measures of health.

You also have a pelvic exam during your annual checkup. During your pelvic exam, which is also known as an internal exam, we check the health of your sexual organs, including your vagina, uterus, ovaries, and cervix. 

If it’s time for you to have a Pap test, we perform one. A Pap smear checks for changes in cervical cells that could eventually lead to cervical cancer.

Vaccinations and screening tests

We let you know if you need any vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer associated with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus. 

We also let you know if you’re due to have a mammogram, colonoscopy, bone density test, blood work, or other screening tests.

A symptom check

GYN symptoms should never be ignored. Be sure to tell us if you have any symptoms that may be associated with gynecological conditions, including:

• Bleeding between periods
• Breast or nipple pain
• Changes in your sexual health
• Changes in urinary or bowel habits
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Irregular periods
• Loss of interest in sex
• Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain
• Trouble getting pregnant
• Vaginal dryness, pain, discharge, or itching

Discussion about birth control

If you are using or would like to start using birth control, we can work with you to decide which birth control method is best for you. Keep in mind that as you get older and your lifestyle, health, and family planning decisions change, your birth control preferences may also change.

Similarly, if you’re thinking about getting pregnant in the near future, we can talk with you about when to schedule a preconception checkup.

We’re here for you

Don’t wait any longer to make an appointment for your annual GYN exam. And if you have questions or concerns that require immediate attention, our providers are here for you every day. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office in Albany, New York, or use our contact form to get started.