When should You visit the gynecologist?

You should visit the gynecologist at least once a year for your Annual Gynecological Exam. You should also visit any time you have a gynecologic health concern. 

During your Annual Gynecological Exam, you will be screened for potential gynecologic health problems. These screenings may include a pelvic exam, pap smear, breast exam, laboratory testing, as well as contraceptive or menopause management counseling. Your well woman exam is also the time for you to ask questions and discuss gynecologic health concerns you have with your care provider.

Teen years

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the first gynecologic visit for young females occurs between the ages of 13 and 15. The first visit may just be a discussion between you and your doctor. Depending on your current health care needs, there may also be exams performed. Exams may include a pelvic exam, pap test and breast exam.

20s & 30s

We recommend patients in their 20s and 30s have an Annual Gynecological Exam. This exam may include a pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam and instructions on how to perform breast self exams. During your well woman exam your care provider will discuss healthy lifestyle choices including healthy diet and exercise, not smoking and alcohol only in moderation. A baseline mammogram is offered between the ages of 35 and 40.

40's & 50's

We recommend patients in their 40's and 50's have an Annual Gynecological Exam. This exam may include a pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam and instructions on how to perform breast self exams. An annual mammogram is also recommended. This visit may also include counseling for osteoporosis prevention and Bone Density Testing if needed. Other discussion for this visit includes possible peri-menopausal or age related changes you can expect, as well as contraceptive needs and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. During your well woman exam your care provider will discuss healthy lifestyle choices including visiting your primary care provider for regular health screenings, healthy diet and exercise, not smoking and drinking alcohol only in moderation.

Menopausal Years and Beyond

An Annual Gynecological Exam is recommended during the menopausal years and after. This exam may include a pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam and instructions on how to perform breast self exams. In addition to an annual mammogram, a bone density scan is recommended approximately every other year. During your well woman exam your care provider will address issues including vaginal dryness, incontinence and urinary frequency and as well as any concerns you may have. If indicated, hormone therapy may be discussed. During your well woman exam your care provider will discuss healthy lifestyle choices including visiting your primary care provider for regular health screenings, taking calcium and exercising to prevent bone loss, healthy diet, not smoking and drinking alcohol only in moderation.

What to Expect at Your Gynecological Well Woman Annual Exam

The thought of having your first gynecology exam might be nerve wracking, but it is a straightforward and quick procedure that is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Once you understand the purpose of the Annual Gynecological Exam and what it involves, you will realize that there is nothing to worry or be embarrassed about.

The purpose of your routine annual gynecology exam is to allow a health care provider to check your female organs to ensure and maintain good gynecological health. The physical portion of the exam takes about 10 minutes and there is a time before and after the exam to ask and answer any questions you and your health care provider might have.

Before Your Annual Gynecological Exam

Women should start receiving annual gynecology exams between the ages of 18 and 21, or when they become sexually active. However, if you are experiencing any gynecological symptoms, you should schedule an exam sooner. Such symptoms include irregularities in the menstrual cycle, unusual or severe vaginal or pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, swelling, tenderness, sores, lumps, or itching, or unusual changes in the breast.

When making your first appointment, it is helpful to tell your gynecologist that this is your first gynecological exam. Your health care provider knows that many women feel nervous about gynecology exams, and they will help you to relax and understand the process. It is also perfectly acceptable to have a female family member or friend accompany you during your appointment and, if you would prefer, you can always request an additional nurse chaperone.

Otherwise, there is not much you have to do to prepare for a pelvic exam. Do not douche, use vaginal creams or have sex for 24 hours prior to your well woman exam, and if you have your period during the time you are supposed to have your exam, you will need to reschedule.

What the Gynecological Exam Includes

The physical exam includes a urine sample, an external and internal pelvic exam, pap smear, and a breast exam.

Pelvic Exam

The pelvic exam in your gynecological exam consists of four main steps: the external genital exam, the speculum exam, the Pap Smear test and the bimanual exam.

For the exam, you will lie on the examining table in a dressing gown with your legs in stirrups or knee rests and a sheet is draped over your legs for your personal privacy. Once you are comfortable, your gynecologist will ask you to spread your knees apart. At this point, try to relax as much as possible. Breathe deeply and do not tense your muscles. This will make the exam less painful and more efficient. Rest assured that if you have requested the company of a friend or family member or chaperone, that they will be asked to stand at a location that preserves your personal privacy.

During the external genital exam your clinician will visually examine the vulva and labia. They are checking for abnormalities, such as irritation, swelling, redness, cysts, or any visual indication of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

Pap Smear

A Pap Smear checks for precancerous or cancerous cells. This is a quick procedure that involves taking a sample of your cervical cells and testing them to verify that they are healthy. It will feel like a strong pinch. This Annual Gynecological Exam test is very important and it is necessary even if you are not experiencing any symptoms and do not have any personal concerns. However, you will not know the results of the Pap Smear test at your appointment. The cell sample has to be sent to a laboratory where it is carefully examined. Your results will take a few weeks to get back to you.

After the Pap Smear test, your health care provider will remove the speculum and perform a bimanual exam to check the health of your ovaries and uterus. This portion of the exam involves inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the vagina with one hand. With the other hand, they will press down on your stomach. You will feel pressure and some light discomfort is possible, but again, always tell your gynecologist how you are feeling throughout the examination.

Annual Physical Exam Adult : The Basics

The Annual Physical Exam Adult is an essential part of preventive health care. While different doctors vary in how they conduct a routine physical, it will always involve listening to your concerns and providing counseling for your particular complaints and risk factors.

Your physical exam is an essential routine preventive checkup that your primary care provider performs to review your overall health and wellbeing. Scheduling an annual physical exam is a positive step to make on your healthcare journey. Here is what you can expect during your annual physical exam with your primary care provider.

1. Height and Weight Measurements

During your physical Annual Physical Exam Adult, your height and weight measurements are taken. These measurements calculate your body mass index (BMI), which screens a patient for being underweight or overweight. Since being overweight can lead to many harmful health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, it is important to know if you’re at a healthy body weight. In addition, your doctor will monitor your measurements to determine if there are any sudden weight gains or losses, which can be a sign that there is a change in your health.

2. Review Past Family, Medical, and Social History

Before meeting with your primary care provider, a nurse or medical assistant will ask you a series of questions regarding your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions including any symptoms you’re experiencing, allergies, vaccinations, past surgeries, etc. You will also be asked a few lifestyle questions that relate to your health, such as activity level, drug and alcohol use. This information is then updated on the patient’s medical record. As always, it’s important to be upfront and transparent with your doctor, as they are not here to pass any sort of judgment.

3. Complete Physical Exam

During the Annual Physical Exam Adult, your primary care provider will check your vital signs, including:

Heart rate: While a normal resting heart rate varies from person to person, the Mayo Clinic states that an adult’s heart rate should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Blood pressure: This test measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps blood throughout your body. Blood pressure that is considered ‘normal’ is below 120/80 mm Hg. Your lifestyle, such as your eating habits and activity level, can affect your blood pressure.

Visual exam: Your healthcare provider will complete a visual exam, including examining your eyes, chest, abdomen, hands and wrists, for signs of any potential conditions.
Blood test: A complete blood count may be ordered to check the health of your kidneys, liver, immune system and blood chemistry. Detecting an irregularity in your blood count may indicate that there is a larger issue at play. Your doctor may also perform specific tests, such as a diabetes screening or urine test, or screenings based on what your vitals and physical exam reveals.

4. Update Vaccines

Receiving the proper vaccines is an important part of your healthcare routine in adulthood. You may need other vaccinations based on factors such as your sexual lifestyle, current medical conditions, and occupation. An Annual Physical Exam Adult is an opportune time for your doctor to review your vaccination record to see if you can benefit or are due for a vaccine. Adults can receive their annual flu shot during this time; we recommend receiving this vaccine before the flu season begins, usually around October.

By following the vaccination recommendations for adults set out by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can help to keep yourself healthy and prevent several life-threatening diseases.

5. Manage Medications

The CDC estimates that nearly 22.4% of adults aged 40-79 take five or more prescription drugs. If you are combining more than one prescription drug, this may put you at a greater risk for harmful interactions. During your physical exam, you can either bring in or write down your prescribed medications, supplements an,d over-the-counter medications to review with your doctor.

It’s important to keep in mind that even though you have been using the same medication for a long time, you should still review it with your doctor. Your body changes as you age, which can affect how medications are broken down so you may need to increase or decrease your doses.

6. Provide Healthcare Guidance

Your Annual Physical Exam Adult is also a chance to build a relationship with your doctor. During your exam, we encourage patients to ask questions or concerns related to their healthcare. Be upfront with any unhealthy habits you’d like to change so you and your healthcare provider can set realistic goals for changing them. To make the most of your exam, we recommend coming to your appointment with a list of questions prepared, if applicable. These questions can include topics, such as:

• Is there something I’m not doing healthcare-wise that I should be doing?

• Do you recommend adding any supplements to my diet?

• Am I at a normal weight for my body?

• Do I need to see a specialist?

• Should I receive any additional screening tests based on my family or medical history?

An Annual Physical Exam Adult is an important tool for ensuring good health. Note that each patient’s physical exam is different and tailored to their individual medical needs. When you prioritize your health by taking a physical exam, you are making an important choice to take responsibility for your wellbeing and quality of life.

Medical Weight Loss

At All Inclusive Preventive Care, we know that weight loss is a very personal journey: What works for another person may not be the right path for you. We offer customized non-surgical weight loss alternatives that are medically sound and supervised to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

What Is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss empowers you to lose weight without surgery by changing your relationship with food to eliminate harmful eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

What Are the Benefits of Medical Weight Loss?

The benefits of medical weight loss go far beyond better-fitting clothes: it can also lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and reduce the pain in weight-bearing joints.

Your own results will depend on a variety of factors:

• The amount of weight you want to lose

• Your related medical conditions

• The non-surgical weight loss options you choose

• The personal commitment you bring to the process

Is Medical Weight Loss Right for Me?

Non-surgical medical weight loss services may be the right choice if:

• You prefer to lose weight without surgery.

• You have tried dieting on your own without success.

• You are worried about other health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or sleep apnea that may be the result of your weight gain

• You need to lose weight before bariatric surgery

Non-Surgical Medical Weight Loss Services

Medical weight loss looks at the big picture, taking into consideration your individual needs, overall health and medical conditions, and weight loss goals. We help you on your journey to long-lasting weight loss, helping you rethink nutrition, exercise, and wellness.

All-Inclusive Preventive Care medical weight loss services offer the following benefits:

• Non-surgical  procedure

• Nutrition and lifestyle counseling

• Customized diet plans (including low-calorie meal replacement options)

• Medication to help with weight loss

Medical weight loss is the assessment and management of diet, lifestyle, and healthy behavior in conjunction with medications that aid in weight loss 

• Medical weight loss uses clinical data and science to create a customized plan for each individual. 

• Medical weight loss is based on four main pillars that can influence body weight: adrenal function, sleep, hormones, and behavioral factors.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling

Long-term weight loss requires a commitment to major lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and being active. Finding the balance that’s right for you is key to achieving your weight loss goal.

Our team of medical weight-loss professionals partner with you on your weight-loss journey, providing:

• Expert guidance on nutrition and diet

• Customized eating and meal plans

• Strategies and tools to help you make smart choices and needed lifestyle changes

They’ll help you to recognize unhealthy eating habits, emotional eating, and other personal barriers to weight loss. You’ll learn to understand your individual nutritional needs and sort through the choices, so you can make healthy eating part of your lifestyle. Meal replacements can help accelerate weight loss, reduce the stress of meal preparation, and help you control portions.