You don’t need to have a problem to see your gynecologist. An annual visit is a chance to check in on your health and bring up questions you may have been putting off. Maybe your periods have changed, you’re thinking about birth control, or you’re not sure which screenings are due.
The visit is sometimes called a well-woman exam. What it includes depends on your age, health history and concerns. A yearly appointment does not mean you need every test every year.
Start with what’s on your mind. You can ask about:
You don’t need the medical term for what you’re feeling. Describing what has changed and how it affects your day is a good place to start.
The conversation usually includes your periods, medications, past medical care and family health history. Your provider may recommend an exam or tests based on that discussion.
A pelvic exam and a Pap test are different things. A pelvic exam checks the pelvic organs and genital area. A Pap test collects cells from the cervix for a lab to examine. Not every visit requires a pelvic exam, and not every pelvic exam includes a Pap test.
A Pap test looks for abnormal cervical cells. An HPV test looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus that can cause those changes. Your provider can explain which test, or combination of tests, is appropriate for you.
Write down the questions you want to ask, along with your medications and supplements. If you have them, bring previous Pap or HPV results, especially if a result was abnormal. Note when your last period started and any changes you’ve noticed.
If a Pap test is planned, ask the office about preparation instructions.
Before leaving your appointment, ask how you’ll receive results and whom to contact with questions.
Usually, no. Cervical screening is often spaced several years apart. The timing depends on your age, previous results, the type of test and your medical history. Even when screening is not due, a routine visit gives you time to discuss symptoms, preventive care and changes in your health.
If a Pap test is planned and your period starts before the appointment, call the office to check whether the test should be rescheduled.
If you’re nervous or have had an uncomfortable exam before, say so. You can ask what each part involves, talk through your concerns before starting, and ask to pause or stop an exam.
An abnormal result does not automatically mean cancer. Depending on the findings and your previous results, follow-up may involve repeat testing or a closer examination of the cervix called a colposcopy. Make sure you understand the next step and when it should happen.
