Many women are familiar with the concept of an annual exam, and they usually dread it because of the associated discomfort. However, it is extremely important to have an annual exam, whether or not a woman is sexually active. In addition to being an excellent place to bring up specific concerns like family planning and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention, an annual exam also screens for breast and gynecological cancers. Although an annual exam may seem onerous, it's an important part of caring for your body.
Doctors generally recommend that women receive annual exams from their teens until the end of life. It is an excellent idea to shop around for a clinician. You should feel very comfortable with your doctor, so seek out a doctor who answers your questions and makes you feel at home. You may also want to discuss your clinician's personal approach to medicine, to see if you have a similar philosophy. Once you find a good clinician, stick with him or her.
During an annual exam, the doctor will assess your annual health, and she or he will also screen for specific health problems. The exam typically includes a breast exam to check for lumps which may require action, and a pelvic exam to check on your general gynecological health. When performed well, a pelvic exam should not be painful, although it may be uncomfortable. During the pelvic exam, the doctor will perform a Pap smear, sampling cells from your cervix to test for cancer. You may also request STI or pregnancy screening during your annual exam, if these are issues for you.
A good clinician will also discuss your diet, exercise, and general lifestyle habits. If he or she thinks that you may be at risk for STIs, additional counseling and advice may be offered. He or she may also offer counseling in family planning if you are interested in spacing children or preventing pregnancy. This counseling may include advice on various birth control methods, and a prescription for a birth control method, if applicable.
Gynecological cancers can be extremely serious and even life-threatening. By receiving an annual exam, you can be certain that these cancers will be caught early, if they appear. This makes treatment much easier, and it greatly improves your prognosis. Early detection of STIs is also important, since it ensures prompt treatment and reduces the risk of transmission to others. Although you certainly don't need to get wildly excited about your annual exam, it may help to remember that momentary discomfort will be well worth it if you catch a serious medical condition early.
