Getting your annual gynecologic exam is essential for your overall health. Gynecologists usually do yearly exams, but your primary care doctor can also do them.
An annual gynecologic exam helps safeguard your sexual health and can also help prevent cancer.
If you're sexually active and you haven't had an annual gynecologic exam yet, you should schedule one. Even if you're not sexually active, it's a good idea to start having annual gynecologic exams yearly after you turn 21.
With more than 450 gynecologic exam providers across our network, UPMC Magee-Womens is here for you.
An annual gynecologic exam is a physical exam where the provider (usually a gynecologist) also looks at the health of your reproductive system.
This includes your:
Your provider will do a pelvic exam to physically examine your organs to make sure everything is working as it should.
Pelvic exams make many people uncomfortable, but they're the only way to inspect and examine these organs. They're also the best way to screen for certain types of cancer and other reproductive organ problems.
Your gynecologist may also order a urine test, blood work, or other tests at your annual gynecologic exam.
An annual gynecologic exam isn't the same as a yearly physical but can include one.
During both exams, you'll give a medical history and have a chance to talk with your provider about any issues you're having.
The provider will check your heart and lungs, reflexes, and head, neck, and belly, just as they would during a physical exam. However, an annual gynecologic exam also examines the health of your reproductive organs.
This means your gynecologist will do a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and possibly a Pap smear.
Annual physicals may include a breast exam, but they don't include a pelvic exam.
A Pap smear is a specific type of cancer screening that often happens during an annual gynecologic or pelvic exam. But it's only one part of the exam.
Your provider will advise you on how often you need a Pap smear. Even if you don't need one, you should still have an annual gynecologic exam.
Your annual gynecologic exam doesn't include a mammogram, but you will have a clinical breast exam. Your gynecologist will check your breasts for lumps or other signs of cancer.
At your annual gynecologic exam, the doctor may suggest that you get a mammogram.
They might recommend a mammogram if:
UPMC offers a range of gynecological care, including:
Gynecologists do annual gynecologic exams in different ways. They may have you put on a gown or paper sheet first and then talk with you. Or they may sit and talk with you first and then leave while you change.
If it's your first time seeing the doctor, they'll take a medical and family history.
They'll ask you questions about:
It's important to be honest when you answer the questions.
If you've experienced a sexual assault or trauma in the past, you might feel very uncomfortable talking about these issues. The idea of getting a pelvic exam may also be traumatizing. If this is the case, tell your gynecologist — they'll do everything they can to ensure you feel safe.
After they take your history, you can ask questions or bring up concerns, such as about birth control, sexually transmitted infections, or changes to your period. (If you're experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding, like heavy bleeding during your period or spotting between cycles, be sure to let your doctor know.)
A nurse may be in the room with the doctor the whole time or step in only for the pelvic exam. (You can always ask for a nurse to be in the room if they aren't present.)
There are three parts to most annual gynecologic visits.
This part of the exam will be most familiar. A nurse will likely get your height and weight and take your blood pressure and pulse before you meet with the doctor.
The doctor will then listen to your heart and lungs and check your reflexes.
If they're doing a complete physical exam, they may look in your ears, mouth, and nose. They'll feel your head, neck, belly, arms, and legs, checking for anything that doesn't feel right. They'll also test your reflexes.
Next, your gynecologist will ask you to lie back on the examining table. They'll check each breast, feeling for any lumps or signs of breast cancer. They'll try to leave you covered so only the part of your body they're examining is visible.
Your gynecologist will ask you to slide your feet into stirrups. First, they'll inspect your external genitals, looking for any signs of disease or infection.
To examine the vagina and cervix, the gynecologist will insert a speculum into your vagina. This holds the walls of your vagina open while they examine your cervix.
If you need a Pap smear, the doctor will do it now. They'll insert a small brush or long cotton swab and scrape some cells from your cervix. They will send the sample to a lab to check for signs of cervical cancer.
Your gynecologist will remove the speculum so they can check your internal organs. To do this, they'll slide one or two gloved fingers into your vagina, pushing toward your cervix. With their other hand, they'll push on your belly.
This helps them feel your uterus, ovaries, and cervix. It may also allow them to detect if you've developed fibroids.
It may be slightly uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.
