Most women are not overly excited or happy when they need to visit the gynecologist’s office, but avoiding the annual examination does not mean that the potential issues disappear. Annual gynecological exams are compulsory if we want to be healthy and care for our reproductive health in the best way possible.
Both men and women have to be mindful and responsible regarding the quality of their reproductive health, especially because issues with your reproductive system can cause a lot of harm to all other systems in the body.
If you are looking for a high-quality gynecologist in Doral, FL, where you can feel safe and relaxed, it is essential to research different options. Dr. Leonardo Blachar is one of the top gynecologists in Florida. You can be sure that your reproductive health will be protected and preserved if you decide to make him your chosen practitioner.
Regarding the annual gynecological exam, or GYN for short, below we are bringing you different details which will help you understand why it is important to schedule these examinations every year.
What Can I Expect at an Annual Gynecological Exam?
During an annual gynecological exam, there are different exams and tests the doctors perform in order to get the best possible insight into the state of your reproductive health. Although the majority of the tests are not comfortable, some even might be a little bit painful and make you feel uneasy; these examinations are crucial in keeping you healthy.
Your chosen medical provider can do a lot to make you feel more comfortable, such as being more gentle during physical examinations, slightly warming up the instruments before inserting them, using gentle, calming language and tone towards patients during the exam, explaining the processes as they are done, and alike. This can make the patients a lot more relaxed and comfortable during the GYN, which is of great importance for the overall success of the assessment.
Some of the tests you can do during a well-woman exam are:
- Pelvic exam (where the doctor examines your pelvic area in four ways: externally, with a speculum, manually, and by doing a Pap Smear test)
- Breast exam (the healthcare provider examines your breasts for lumps and thickenings, firstly manually and then in some cases with an ultrasound)
- Urine testing (you provide a urine sample, which is then checked for different infections and pregnancy)
- STI screening
- Testing for HIV and HPV
- Vaginal examination (infections and alike)
- Screenings for cancer
The gynecological exam does not only include exams and testing; it also offers counseling in:
- STI issues
- Menstrual cycle
- Contraception
- Fertility
- Preconception
- Preventive care
- Menopausal issues
- Mental health and other factors influencing your reproductive health
So Why Is a Well-Woman Visit That Important?
Recently, many studies and many experts have stated that there is no need to have a pelvic examination every year, and women were very content with that information. As mentioned above, this is not the only reason why a woman must examine her health at least once a year, so below, we listed the top reasons why it is still essential to check your reproductive health annually.
- Preventive care: Being healthy encompasses many different practices one does, and preventative care counseling is a place that offers an opportunity to the patient to get advice on a nutritious diet, exercise, and how to deal with issues that can directly have a negative effect on your reproductive health and alike.
- Birth control counseling: As our body changes throughout the years, so does the method of birth control we use (if that is the case). An appropriate birth control option is a crucial part of efficient protection, which can be discussed with a physician at the annual well-woman visit.
- Breast examination: There are numerous reasons why it is of the utmost importance to have an annual breast examination, especially as you age. During this exam, a specialized individual will examine your breasts, and you will then be 100% sure that you are healthy and that there are no reasons for concern and stress. In this way, you can prevent potential issues that can develop into severe conditions later.
- Vaccines: During the annual GYN, you can talk to your chosen provider about your vaccination status, and for younger women, it is important also to discuss HPV vaccination.
- Menstrual cycle consultation: Your period is an excellent indicator of your overall health. When your period is on time, without pain or heavy bleeding, lasting no longer than seven days, and is more or less a bearable period of the month, this means that the majority of your reproductive organs are healthy. The doctor can make many conclusions about your health just from the conversation about your menstrual cycle, so make sure you schedule a consultation.
- Sexual intercourse: The GYN appointment is also created to offer a safe and supportive space to women who want to discuss questions about sexual intercourse. This can include topics from STIs and STDs to birth control, painful intercourse, and alike, and it is vital that you feel comfortable sharing this with your chosen medical professional.
- Preconception counseling: For women who are in their childrearing years and who want to have a family, the preconception counseling services offered during gynecological examinations are crucial. Here you can discuss the environment for conception, nutrient and vitamin intakes, family anamnesis, steps to be taken for a successful pregnancy, and alike.
- Wellbeing and mental health advice: Different periods of life bring different challenges to everyone. For women, adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum period, menopause, and alike are all periods that carry various issues that might need to be discussed with a professional. During the annual exam, you have the opportunity to share your feelings, struggles, and issues so you can get advice from an expert.
Although we have stated that an annual gynecology exam is fundamental, it is not mandatory, and many women put it off as long as they can due to the potential discomfort. Nonetheless, specific symptoms demand immediate doctor intervention and advice, so if you experience any of the following, please contact your doctor as soon as possible:
- Unbearably painful periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Foul vaginal odor
- Swelling and growths in your private parts
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse (either vaginal dryness or pain during sex)
- Urinary leakage
- Irregular periods
- Troubles with libido
- Issues with contraception
Call Us!
Having a premium quality annual gynecology exam can save you from many different health issues in the future. Our clinical center is created to suit different needs women can have regarding gynecological and OBGYN services, and the annual GYN exam is one of the most important ones. Our expert team and supportive environment ensure that the levels of discomfort during the exam are minimal and that you are satisfied with the results.
Call us; we are here!