Annual Gynecology Exams in Washington, DC
An essential part of staying healthy is to have regular gynecological exams beginning at age 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active.
Preventive care includes:
- Discussion of health topics based on your age and risk factors
- Exams and screening tests
- Immunizations
If you’re due for an annual gynecology exam, contact Capital Women’s Care DC today. Our gynecology clinic in Washington, DC provides comprehensive, expert gynecologic care in a warm and personalized environment. Call us at (202) 331-9293 to get started, or request an appointment through our secure online form.
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.
Breast Exam
During your breast exam, your doctor will check your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump. They will examine each breast by moving their fingers around your breast in a pattern.
Pelvic Exam
During your pelvic exam, your doctor will examine your vagina, cervix, and reproductive organs. Once you place your feet against the 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 spread the walls apart to examine the area gently. 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 uncomfortable, but it should not hurt.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. The doctor will insert a small spatula through the vagina into the cervix. Cells are collected from the cervix and sent to a laboratory to check for any abnormalities. The Pap smear is painless.
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. The CDC recommends sexually transmitted infection screening for all women under the age of 25 if they are sexually active.
At 30 Years old
Be sure to talk with your ob-gyn 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 ob-gyn when you should have a mammogram. In addition, if you’re having perimenopause symptoms, you should discuss this with your provider, as there may be ways to manage these symptoms. It is also time to start colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
At 50 Years old
During your 50s, if you are having symptoms of menopause, you should discuss them with your provider, as there are many options available to manage these symptoms. It is good to get a lung cancer screening if you are a current or past smoker. In addition, you should speak to your provider about additional vaccines such as the shingles vaccine.
At 60 Years old
Continue to get regular mammograms and osteoporosis screenings during your 60s.
At 70 Years old
Be sure to continue with the seasonal flu shot and stay up to date with the shingles and pneumonia shots, 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 an Annual Exam
To schedule your annual gynecology exam in DC, contact Capital Women’s Care today by calling (202) 331-9293. You can alternatively request an appointment through our secure online form.
