Annual Preventive Health Exam
Women should begin scheduling annual women's health exams when they turn 21 years of age or when they become sexually active.
Annual exams generally consist of a physical exam, including breast and pelvic exams. Routine screening tests are often recommended during these exams.
A Pap test is recommended for women when they become 21.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing are also strongly advised for women who are sexually active or ever have been; these tests are typically performed at annual exams.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Come prepared by:
- Printing off and completing the Women's Health History form if this is your first Women's Health visit.
- Refraining from intercourse or placing anything (tampons, suppositories, etc.) in your vagina for 48 hours prior to your exam. This will ensure a more accurate pap smear result.
Please Note:
If you are experiencing significant gynecological problems such as severe menstrual cramps, severe PMS, infrequent periods or very irregular periods, you will need to first schedule an appointment to specifically address this specific problem. An annual exam for routine care can be scheduled at a later date.