Women’s health in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA: what to expect during a wellness exam

Women’s health can be evaluated by an expert during a wellness exam

A women’s health exam may be a little nerve-wracking when visiting your Atlanta or Alpharetta GA OBGYN. However, this is a quick and straightforward procedure that is essential to maintaining your overall health. When you understand why this annual wellness exam is necessary and what is involved during your assessment, you will begin to realize that there is nothing to be concerned or embarrassed about.

This annual exam is done to allow your doctors to see your female organs to ensure and maintain your gynecological health.

Why is an annual wellness exam necessary?

It is vital not to delay scheduling your wellness exam appointment. Your first exam should be scheduled when you have become active sexually or when you have turned 21. You should also plan your exam if you have been experiencing any pelvic pain or menstrual irregularities.

Your wellness exam is your first line of defense against female reproductive diseases, and it is the only way to find the early stages of cervical cancer. This is why it is so crucial to be diligent about scheduling your exam every year.

What to expect during your wellness exam

Here is what you can expect throughout your wellness exam appointment:

First visit: Your first visit with your OBGYN is a great time to ask any questions that you have about your sexuality, menstrual cycle, and other questions about your reproductive health. This visit will typically include a physical exam and a review of your vitals, such as your height, weight, and blood pressure.

Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam allows your doctor to evaluate your reproductive organs while also examining your internal and external vaginal region. During this exam, you will be lying on an examination table with your feet in stirrups. The doctor will then examine the outer area of your vagina; this includes the labia and vulva. Your doctor will be looking for any redness, swelling, irritation, or any visual indications of STDs.

Pap smear: This screening will allow your doctor to check for any abnormal cells that would indicate any possibility of cervical cancer. Provided that no abnormalities are found, a pap smear can be repeated every three years up until the age of 29. If you are older than 30, you will benefit from testing for the human papillomavirus along with having a pap smear. Some strains of the human papillomavirus are known to cause cervical cancer.

Breast exam: As a part of your wellness exam, your doctor will examine your breasts to check for discharge, lumps, or thickened tissues. This breast exam is not meant to replace a mammogram.

Women’s health in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA

Your women’s health expert strongly recommends that you have your examination every year because it can be the difference between catching any problem sooner or having to undergo any treatment when the problem has advanced.

Contact your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care.