Annual Gynecology Exams in Birmingham, AL
An important part of staying healthy is to have regular gynecological exams beginning at age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active. The expertly trained OBGYNs at Brookwood Women’s Health are dedicated to providing exceptional gynecologic care to women throughout the Birmingham area. Routine annual exams are an essential part of preventative care and help; to ensure that concerns are caught early. Call 659-251-8081 to request an appointment at our OBGYN clinic in Birmingham, AL today.
During your annual exam, you’ll receive some or all of the following services:
- Discussion of health topics based on your age and risk factors
- Exams and screening tests such as breast exam and pelvic exam with or without a Pap smear
- Immunizations and vaccines
- Blood tests if needed
- Mammogram
- Family planning, including preconception counseling and birth control
- Testing for sexually transmitted diseases
- Counseling about diet and nutrition
- Women’s health education
- Ultrasound
What to Expect for Your Annual Gynecology Exams
In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your doctor will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period and sexual activities. During your exam, your doctor will perform the following exams and tests. If the doctor is male, a female nurse remains in the room during your exam.
Breast Exam
During your breast exam, your doctor will check your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump. He or she will examine each breast by moving his or her fingers around your breast in a pattern. You may also be shown how to perform monthly self-examinations.
Pelvic Exam
During your pelvic exam, your doctor will examine your vagina, cervix and reproductive organs. Once you place your feet against footrests at the end of the examining table and slide forward, your doctor will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Your doctor then places one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina and the other hand presses on your abdomen from the outside to check the size, position, and shape of your internal pelvic organs. The pelvic exam may feel a bit uncomfortable, but should not hurt.
Pap Smear
Well Woman Visits
These assessments should include screening, evaluation and counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors.
At 21 Years Old
You should have your first Pap test if you haven’t already and have a sexually transmitted infection screening if necessary.
At 30 Years Old
Be sure to talk with your OBGYN if you are planning on getting pregnant. Continue to get an annual well-woman visit during your 30s.
At 40 Years Old
Decide with your OBGYN when you should have a mammogram, especially if you have certain risk factors. If you’re having perimenopause symptoms, there may be ways to manage these symptoms.
At 45 Years Old
It is time to have a preventative screening for colorectal cancer.
At 50 Years Old
During your 50s, it is good to get a lung cancer screening if you are a current or past smoker.
At 60 Years Old
Continue to get regular mammograms and osteoporosis screenings during your 60s.
At 70 Years Old
Be sure to get a seasonal flu shot, a shingles shot, and a pneumonia shot, as well as others your doctor may recommend.
At 80 Years Old
Discuss with your doctor ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your vision or hearing.
Schedule Your Annual Exam Today
Routine visits to your OBGYN help to ensure your overall health and wellness. Call 659-251-8081 to request an appointment at our OBGYN clinic in Birmingham today.
