Annual Gynecology Exams in Cedar Rapids, IA
An important part of staying healthy is to have regular gynecological exams beginning at age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active. Routine gynecology exams are an important part of preventative health. Our OB Gyns are highly experienced and will take the time to answer all of your questions. Call (319) 363-2682 to schedule an appointment at our office in Cedar Rapids today!
Preventive care includes:
- Health Discussions: Talk to our providers about age-appropriate health concerns, risk factors, and wellness goals.
- Screenings and Exams: Receive a full range of screenings, including Pap smears and breast exams.
- Immunizations: Stay up-to-date on vaccines like the flu shot or HPV vaccine.
What to Expect for Your Annual Gynecology Exams
In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your OB Gyn will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period and sexual activities. During your exam, your OB Gyn will perform the following exams and tests. If the OB Gyn is male, a female nurse remains in the room during your exam.
Breast Exam
During your breast exam, your OB Gyn will check your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump. He or she will examine each breast by moving his or her fingers around your breast in a pattern. You may also be shown how to perform monthly self-examinations.
Pelvic Exam
During your pelvic exam, your OB Gyn will examine your vagina, cervix and reproductive organs. Once you place your feet against footrests at the end of the examining table and slide forward, your OB Gyn will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Your OB Gyn then places one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina and the other hand presses on your abdomen from the outside to check the size, position, and shape of your internal pelvic organs. The pelvic exam may feel a bit uncomfortable, but should not hurt.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. The OB Gyn will insert a small cotton-tipped swab through the vagina into the cervix. Cells are removed from the cervix and sent to a laboratory to be checked for any abnormalities. The Pap smear is painless.
Well Woman Visits
These assessments should include screening, evaluation and counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors.
At 20 Years old
- Schedule your first Pap test if you haven’t already.
- Discuss sexual health and screen for sexually transmitted infections if needed.
At 30 Years old
- Plan for pregnancy by consulting with your gynecologist.
- Continue annual well-woman exams for preventive care.
At 40 Years old
- Decide when to start mammograms, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
- Address perimenopause symptoms with tailored solutions.
At 50 Years old
- Screen for lung cancer if you’re a current or former smoker.
- Schedule a colorectal cancer screening.
At 60 Years old
- Continue regular mammograms and start osteoporosis screenings.
At 70 Years old and Beyond
- Stay up to date on vaccinations, including flu, shingles, and pneumonia shots.
- Discuss fall prevention and address vision or hearing concerns.
Schedule Your Annual Exam Today!
The highly trained OBGYNs at Cedar Rapids Ob Gyn have extensive experience performing annual exams. They will take the time to address any health concerns and answer all of your questions. Call (319) 363-2682 to schedule an appointment at our Ob Gyn office in Cedar Rapids today!