{"id":19963,"date":"2022-11-09T10:42:26","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T15:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=19963"},"modified":"2026-08-14T10:41:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T15:41:20","slug":"what-to-expect-at-a-gynecologist-checkup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/what-to-expect-at-a-gynecologist-checkup\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect at a Gynecologist Checkup"},"content":{"rendered":"

Visiting an ob-gyn can be anxiety-inducing for lots of us. You might not be keen on dealing with a speculum near your genitalia, but it\u2019s essential to keep tabs on your reproductive health. Experts say most people with cervixes should visit their ob-gyn for a checkup <\/span>once a year.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important to have an annual checkup starting at the age of 18,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Natalie Stentz<\/span><\/a>, an ob-gyn in Ann Arbor, Michigan. \u201cBut you may need to start earlier if you have any health concerns or need birth control.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, you won\u2019t need to get a <\/span>Pap smear<\/span><\/a>, which screens for cervical cancer, every year. The American Cancer Society <\/span>updated its guidelines<\/span><\/a> for in 2020, recommending that patients get one every three years. Every five years, a Pap smear should also screen for human papillomavirus (HPV), an STD which can lead to cancer or genital warts.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll talk about everything from sexual health to periods with your ob-gyn, so make sure <\/span>you choose someone<\/span><\/a> you\u2019re especially comfortable with. Knowing what to expect can also help put your mind at ease. Here\u2019s what to know before your next ob-gyn appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The basics<\/h2>\n

In many ways, an appointment with an ob-gyn looks similar to any other doctor\u2019s visit: You\u2019ll get your vitals taken, including your weight, temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Typically, you\u2019ll also supply a urine sample.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your ob-gyn can run simple tests, like pregnancy tests, in the office, but more detailed panels are often sent to a diagnostic lab. Common tests include checking urine for red flags including proteins, bacteria, white blood cells and other abnormalities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At your visit, you can also request testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Experts recommend frequent STI\/STD testing, especially if you have multiple sexual partners. A blood test can detect many different STIs\/STDs, including HIV, <\/span>herpes<\/span><\/a> and syphilis. <\/span>Tissue samples and oral swabs<\/span><\/a> can also be used, depending on what you\u2019re testing for. Ask your doctor to help decide which testing method is best for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with routine lab tests, your doctor will ask about your personal medical history, as well as detailed information about your menstrual cycle, alcohol and drug use, and any previous pregnancies, abortions and miscarriages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Providers will also ask about your sexual history and orientation. Some of why comes from institutional barriers people with marginalized genders and identities face, which can impede early diagnosis and treatment for many preventable conditions. Other reasons include the fact that organs and body systems are <\/span>not inherently gendered<\/span><\/a>, and so require care for everyone who has them. Finally, affirming care is a must for everybody; <\/span>both providers and patients can prepare<\/span><\/a> to make appointments and treatments comfortable and low-stress for trans and cisgender patients alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

At some point during your visit, your provider will also check your breasts for lumps. \u201cYour doctor will also keep an eye out for nipple discharge and skin changes,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Kecia Gaither<\/span><\/a>, an ob-gyn in New York City. These are potential breast cancer symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The pelvic exam<\/h2>\n

The physical exam, known as the pelvic exam, is the most involved part of your checkup.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour doctor checks your vagina, uterus, vulva, cervix, pelvis and ovaries for growths, masses or any abnormalities,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Monte Swarup<\/span><\/a>, an ob-gyn in Chandler, Arizona.<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019ll do this by examining your lower abdomen using their hands. Using this method, your provider may be able to feel tumors or other abnormalities. They\u2019ll also visually inspect your vulva, as well as your vagina and cervix, using a speculum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>speculum<\/span><\/a> is a tool that holds your vaginal walls apart so ob-gyns can get a better view of your cervix. It allows them to get a good look at your cervix and, if needed, collect cervical cells for a <\/span>Pap smear<\/span><\/a> using a large cotton swab.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many ob-gyns are trained in trauma-informed care, which emphasizes emotional safety and recognizes that prior sexual trauma may make pelvic exams especially uncomfortable or difficult. If you\u2019ve experienced any form of sexual trauma, or if you have vaginismus or another condition that can make a pelvic exam especially uncomfortable, let your doctor know. Sometimes, a specially sized speculum or extra lubricant can help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour doctor can give you a detailed and gentle explanation of the pelvic exam, and tips to help you with any discomfort during the procedure,\u201d Swarup says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Other reasons to see an ob-gyn<\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t have to wait for a checkup to visit your ob-gyn. When in doubt, it\u2019s best to make an appointment if you\u2019re concerned about a new sign or symptom. For instance, unusual vaginal discharge, rashes, vulvar itching or foul smells are all valid reasons to see your doctor.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some other common reasons patients book an appointment:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Symptoms of cancer in your breasts or other reproductive organs<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Family planning<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Suspected infertility<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Painful sex<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Birth control<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Issues with your menstrual cycle<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Concerns about STIs\/STDs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Overall, your annual visit with an ob-gyn is an important way to keep up with your overall health. With our guide, you\u2019ll be comfortably prepared \u2014 and in and out of your appointment in no time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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