How to Get the Most Out of Your OBGYN Annual Exam
Getting the most out of your OBGYN annual exam centers around one principle:
Communication with compassionate care.
We believe in open and honest discussions because when it comes to your health, we want you to have the information you need. This is at the heart of what will guide you to get the most out of your yearly physical.
“This is a great time for us to get to know your health concerns and issues,” said Dr. Sonya Williams. “But most importantly, it establishes us as partners in your care. We want to assure you that we will always be there to supply the highest level of compassionate service for you.”
We’ve compiled some information and points that will help you as you plan for your next visit.
Ask Questions at Your Yearly OBGYN Exam!
We really mean it. We do want you to ask questions. Health care should be tailored to your needs and by asking questions, you help us craft the best quality care.
Not sure where to start? You may want to take a look at these questions to ask at your OBGYN yearly screening and exam.
Below are some additional topics that you should consider discussing with us:
- Preconception planning
- Vaginal itching and irritation
- Breast self-exams
- Sex—particularly if intercourse is painful
- Family history of cancer
- Current medications
- Any herbal or natural supplements you’re taking
- Questions about anatomy or physical changes regarding your genitals
- Irregular, painful or heavy periods
- Any previous tests that had abnormal results
- Birth control
Be Prepared
Taking a few simple steps can help you be more prepared and relaxed before your OBGYN annual exam.
We do not recommend douching before an exam. If you have vaginal discharge, it’s important that we are able to evaluate it. Plus, douching can change the balance between the “good” and “bad” bacteria in the vagina, so we do not advise our patients to douche at any time, regardless of whether or not they have an exam scheduled.
We also suggest that you avoid vaginal intercourse 24 hours before your exam.
Ideally, you should schedule your exam for when you’re not on your period.
What If My Period Starts The Week of My Annual Exam?
If you unexpectedly have your period the day of your annual exam, we want you to know that we can still generally examine someone when they are having a period.
However, if it makes you more comfortable to wait and reschedule, we’ll be glad to accommodate you.
If you find that your period is irregular, we encourage you to speak with us. While irregular periods are very common, they can also be caused by issues such as polyps or fibroids. We want to know the cause of the issue so we can help you.
Feel Free to Ask About Non-OBGYN Issues
Having difficulty sleeping?
Are you feeling depressed a lot lately?
We want to know. Many of your bodily functions are interconnected. For example, the trouble that you are having with your bladder may be a clue as to what is going on with your vagina.
We consider it a privilege to care for you, and for that reason, we want to know about all your health issues. Even if these issues aren’t necessarily gynecological in nature, we still need to have the information to give us a more complete picture.
We can also refer you to specialists if you need them, particularly if it’s discovered that you have a chronic illness such as diabetes.
Ask Us About Annual OBGYN Exam Tests
Do you have a family history of breast cancer? Perhaps your age puts you at greater risk for osteoporosis.
Ask us about when you should consider beginning regular screenings for conditions such as:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- HPV
- Uterine cancer
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
There may be other annual OBGYN exam tests you may need depending upon your individual health history. Speak to us so we can help guide you.
Discover a Better Way Toward a Healthier Life with Chapel Hill OBGYN
Your yearly physical is an important appointment you shouldn’t overlook. This enables us to not only conduct routine cancer screenings but it allows time for us to discuss your health care needs and goals.
Schedule an appointment with us today—many times we can fit you in within two weeks after your call. See why we’re the trusted OBGYNs in the Chapel Hill and Triangle area.
