Why do I need to see a Gynecologist?

It is recommended that women begin having annual exams after the age of eighteen or when they become sexually active. Preventative tests are preformed at this time to screen for cancer, sexaully transmitted diseases, breast lumps, or other reproductive/health problems.

 

 By doing Pap testing routinely, it is possible for doctors to find evidence of cancer of the cervix years before any visible symptoms are present. Caught at it's early stage, the survival rate is nearly 100%. This is why it is so important to have your exam every year. At the time of your annual exam you will have a pap test preformed as shown below. The provider will also preform a breast exam and a routine physical including a rectal exam. Depending on you or your family history more in depth testing such as blood work or an ultrasound may be done. If the patient has had a hysterectomy a pap smear may not always be preformed. This will be determined by your history or by your doctor.