Annual Gynecology Exams in Honolulu
Going to the gynecologist isn’t something women eagerly anticipate. The anxiety and discomfort women feel are increased when it’s their first annual exam. There are a few things to keep in mind before having your first annual exam.
The highly trained OBGYN specialists at Ko’olau Women’s Healthcare are devoted to providing the highest quality care for women of all ages in the Honolulu & Kailua areas. If you would like to schedule an annual exam, please contact our Honolulu office or Kailua office today.
How should I prepare for my exam?
The most important thing to do before your first gynecological exam with Ko’olau Women’s Healthcare is research. Women should be prepared to discuss their family medical history and be ready for questions about their menstrual cycle. Some of the most commonly asked questions one of the doctors may ask include:
- When was your last period?
- How long does your period typically last?
- At what age did you start your period?
- Are you sexually active?
What should I expect for my annual exam?
In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your doctor will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period and sexual activities. During your exam, your doctor will perform the following exams and tests. If the doctor is male, a female nurse remains in the room during your exam.
Breast Exam
During your breast exam, your doctor 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 doctor 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 doctor will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Your doctor 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 doctor 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
You should have your first pap test if you haven’t already and have a sexually transmitted infection screening if necessary.
At 60 Years old
Continue to get regular mammograms and osteoporosis screenings during your 60s.
At 30 Years old
Be sure to talk with your obgyn if you are planning on getting pregnant. Continue to get an annual well-woman visit during your 30s.
At 70 Years old
Be sure to get a seasonal flu shot, a shingles shot, and a pneumonia shot, as well as others your doctor may recommend.
At 40 Years old
Decide with your obgyn when you should have a mammogram, especially if you have certain risk factors. If you’re having perimenopause symptoms, there may be ways to manage these symptoms.
At 80 Years old
Discuss with your doctor ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your visions or hearing.
At 50 Years old
During your 50s, it is good to get a lung cancer screening if you are a current or past smoker. It is also time to have a preventative screening for colorectal cancer.
Recommendations by the ACS for Cervical Cancer Screening
| Population | Recommended Screening Method |
|---|---|
| Women Younger than 21 Years | No Screening |
| Women Aged 21-29 Years | Cytology alone every 3 years |
| Women Aged 30-65 Years | Human Papillomavirus and cytology co-testing (preferred) every 5 years Cytology alone (acceptable) every three years |
| Women Older than 65 Years | No screening is necessary after adequate negative prior screening results |
| Women Who Underwent Total Hysterectomy | No screening is necessary |
| Women Vaccinated Against HPV | Follow age-specific recommendations (same as unvaccinated women) |
Schedule an Appointment in Honolulu or Kailua
Not only does the annual exam ensure that you maintain good gynecological health, but it is also an opportunity for you to catch health problems in the early stages. If it’s time to schedule your annual exam, please contact our Honolulu office at (808) 888-3449 or our Kailua office at (808) 230-8500.