With school back in full swing, it’s the perfect opportunity to schedule your yearly gynecological exam. Maintaining your reproductive and sexual health by visiting your gynecologist once a year allows your physician to monitor your health from year to year and put your mind at ease if you have questions. A simple pap smear and breast exam in the office should take no longer than one hour.
So how do you get ready for a trip to the gynecologist?
You can start getting ready for your appointment 24 hours before your exam. You’ll want to avoid having intercourse or inserting products as it can irritate the vaginal tissue. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, you should try to schedule your appointment during a week when you are most likely to not have a cycle.
During your visit, you’ll most likely have a breast and pelvic exam. You’ll be asked to wear a paper or cloth gown. Your physician and their nurse will be there to walk you through each step of the exam.
The breast exam allows your physician to check your breast tissue for irregularities. You might also ask your physician to show you how to best perform a monthly self-exam.
The pelvic exam allows the physician to determine the health of your external and internal vagina. During this exam they will most likely perform a pap smear which will allow them to screen for cervical cancer, infection and STIs.
To Get The Most Out of Your Appointment:
- Have a list of any questions you may have ready for your gynecologist.
- Keep track of your cycle start and end dates.
- Let your doctor know if you have any irregularities such as irregular or heavy bleeding, discharge, pain or odor.
- Be sure to let your doctor know about any medical history for you or your family member that is concerning.
- Talk to you doctor about your reproductive plans.
Scheduling a yearly check-up with your gynecologist is quick and easy with CVWHA.
