Women today live active and full lives. With a busy work, family, and social schedule, it’s only natural you might wonder if you really need to attend your annual screening exam if you feel healthy.
Even when you’re in good health, getting preventive medical care by attending your annual well-woman visit is one of the most important ways you can prioritize your continued wellness. Our women’s health team at Women’s Health Associates of Southern Nevada, Northwest, led by OB/GYNs Anita Gondy, MD, Saovaros V. Michaels, MD, and Henry Luh, DO, recommends all women, from adolescence into their golden years, get a preventive screening exam every year.
Understand why it’s important to get your annual screening exam, and what to expect at the appointment.
What is an annual screening exam?
An annual screening exam is a comprehensive preventive health care exam focused on your overall health and well-being. Our exams are targeted to the specific health care needs women have and are further tailored to your age and specific lifestyle and goals.
An annual screening allows our team to catch any potential health issues early and treat them before they have time to develop into something more serious.
Your annual exam is also an excellent time to develop a relationship with our providers and address any personal health care needs or concerns you have. This could include any concerns about your menstrual cycle, choosing a form of contraception, or symptoms you’re experiencing during perimenopause or menopause.
What happens at my annual screening exam?
Your health care needs change as you get older or when you have a change to your personal situation, so what happens at your annual exam sometimes varies. In general, though, these are some of the procedures our team provides at your well-woman exam.
Review your medical history
Our WHASN – NW team starts by carefully and completely reviewing your full medical history. This allows us to ensure you get continuity of care and gives you an opportunity to follow up with any ongoing issues or concerns.
Get a pelvic exam and pap smear
Our team generally performs a pelvic exam at your annual visit, which allows us to check that your reproductive organs are healthy and in place. During your pelvic exam, our team typically does a pap smear to check for cervical cancer every 3-5 years, depending on your age.
Examine your breasts
During your exam, our providers examine your breast health with comprehensive breast care. We perform a full breast examination, offer mammograms for breast cancer screening, and evaluate and treat any infections to your breasts.
Screen for cancer, osteoporosis, and other health conditions
Depending on your age, family history, and overall health, our team recommends screenings for a variety of common cancers, as well as osteoporosis.
Screen for STDs
We offer a comprehensive STD testing panel to any women who would like one. Our team also helps you treat or manage STDs and prevent future STDs.
Administer vaccinations
The annual exam is the perfect time to get any vaccinations that are age-appropriate. For example, our team offers the HPV vaccination to adolescents and young adults.
Our caring team at WHASN – NW is experienced at performing annual screening examinations and makes your experience comfortable and supportive. To schedule your annual women’s exam at our Las Vegas, Nevada office, call or request an appointment online today.