Gynecological screenings are an important part of women’s health care. These tests may take place during your annual women’s wellness exam. They check for problems and signs of cancer in your reproductive organs and breasts.

Your annual women’s wellness appointment is also an opportunity to talk about health concerns such as:

• Birth control and pregnancy planning
• Fertility
• Menopause
• Menstrual problems
• Sexual health
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Urinary problems

Our OB-GYNs know how important it is to feel comfortable with your physician. We offer compassionate, expert care for all types of gynecological conditions.

To begin your appointment, your OB-GYN will ask about your health history and any problems or symptoms that concern you. Then, you will have a physical examination and may also have tests for gynecologic cancers, sexually transmitted infections or other health problems.

Your exam may include:

• A visual check of your vulva, vaginal opening and cervix. Your OB-GYN will look for abnormal discharge, cysts, irritation and other problems.
• A manual check for problems with your bladder, fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus.
• A manual check of the muscles and tissues between your vaginal canal and your rectum.
• A manual and visual check of your breasts. Your OB-GYN will visually examine your breasts and feel for lumps or other abnormalities.

You may have tests such as:

• Blood tests to check for general health problems.
• HPV (human papilloma virus) test. HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer.
• Pap test (Pap smear) to check for abnormal cells on your cervix that could indicate cervical cancer.
• STI tests for sexually transmitted infections.