Annual Gynaecology Screening And Its Importance

Posted By Dr. Deepti Asthana on 23-12-2021

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The annual gynecological exam, also known as a gynecological well-visit, is a yearly preventive and diagnostic examination designed to preserve female patients' wellbeing while also monitoring any continuing physical or hormonal issues.
An annual gynecology screening is a comprehensive health check of a woman's reproductive organs. It is an annual checkup, which means you should see your gynecologist at least once a year to acquire an overall picture of your reproductive health and wellbeing. This screening includes a general physical examination, a pelvic exam, a breast exam, and a pap smear test. A gynecologist may also examine you to determine your vital signs, age, weight, and height.
This yearly appointment provides physicians with a chance to educate patients on maintaining healthy lifestyles and lowering health risks. The exam involves a standard breast and pelvic exam, as well as a test for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea. It is suggested that girls begin undergoing yearly pelvic examinations at the age of 21. However, some medical issues, such as vaginal infections or delayed menstruation, may need a gynecological consultation at a younger age.

Reasons for a Gynecological Exam Every Year

There are numerous major reasons why women should get gynecological checkups every year. During the examination, gynecological health is evaluated using the following criteria:

There is a family history of gynecological problems, including malignancies.

Breast examination on a physical level

Internal examination of the cervix and pelvis

Cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear

Height, weight, and blood pressure are all checked in general.

Urinalysis

Screening for human papillomavirus (HPV)

Examine for any other sexually transmitted infections (STDs)

Examine for vaginal infections.

Furthermore, the yearly gynecological exam provides an excellent opportunity for the patient to discuss monthly irregularities, birth control options, menopausal concerns, or any sexual difficulties or dysfunctions with her doctor. In many circumstances, the gynecologist may order further testing based on the patient's age or symptoms, such as mammography, bone density screening, endocrinological follow-up, or dermatological examination of a suspicious lesion.

Preparing for a Gynaecological Exam

The first thing you must realize is that the gynecologist you are seeing is a professional in whom you must have faith. Under all circumstances, the doctor is not judgmental, and you are free to speak openly with them. Remember that they have already treated numerous individuals with the same condition as you. Drink plenty of water before going if you're required to provide a urine sample or if the doctor has ordered an ultrasound. Before you go for your gynecological checkup, write down all of your worries about your sex life, birth control, STDs, and so on.

Is it important to get a gynecologist to check every year?

Yes, it is necessary and essential. It is suggested that all women, whether sexually active or not, be checked every year since the examination can help discover any kind of anomalies in your body that can be addressed immediately, preventing them from becoming serious instances and resulting in additional issues. During a pap smear, the doctor will often inspect the cervix cells to see if they are cancerous or not. This indicates that doctors are looking for cervical cancer or any pre-cancerous indications. Aside from that, they check to see whether all of your reproductive organs are developing normally. They will also look at your vaginal discharge. As a result, even if you are in good sexual and reproductive health, you should see a doctor.

When should you start seeing a gynecologist?

If you're above the age of 21 and haven't seen a gynecologist yet, it's time to start. Women over the age of 21 should get gynecology checkups every year and should continue to do so until they reach the age of 65.
Screening tests are intended to discover concealed illness in otherwise healthy individuals. The kinds and frequency of suggested testing differ according to a woman's age, personal risk factors, and family history.

The following screenings are often recommended:

Chlamydia and gonorrhea
These STIs, if left untreated, may cause major problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and persistent discomfort. For sexually active women under the age of 25, annual testing is advised. Women over the age of 25 may also benefit from testing if they have several relationships, a new partner, are concerned about exposure, or have recently been diagnosed with another STI.
HIV testing
This test should be performed at least once in your life. However, your physician should screen for risk factors that may need repeat testing on a yearly basis. Similarly, risk factors should be considered when screening for other STIs such as syphilis, trichomonas, herpes simplex virus, and hepatitis.
Hepatitis C testing
This one-time test is advised for women born between 1945 and 1965 who are ignorant of their infection status.
Pap smear
Cervical cancer screening should be done every three years in women aged 21 to 65. Co-testing for Pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) is advised every five years in women aged 30 and over.
Clinical breast exam
Beginning at the age of 20, a healthcare professional should do a breast exam every 1 to 3 years.
Mammography
This diagnostic imaging examination is used to detect breast abnormalities that might be cancer. This exam is less sensitive in younger women than in older women, and it is more likely in younger women to result in false positives or over-diagnosis. As a result, women aged 40 to 49 years should evaluate the advantages and risks with their physicians before deciding whether to begin mammography screening. All women should get mammograms every 1 to 2 years by the age of 50.
Bone density measurements
This exam is recommended for all women 65 and older, as well as postmenopausal women younger than 65 who have risk factors for a bone fracture.
Diabetic testing and lipid (cholesterol) profile evaluation
A blood test can tell you whether your blood sugar and cholesterol levels are normal or if they need to be addressed. Your provider should suggest them on a regular basis.

In case you are looking for the best gynaecologist in Gurugram, you should meet Dr Deepti Asthana. She is a senior gynecologist in Fortis hospital, gurugram and director KALOSA Clinics. She is well educated, highly experienced and an excellent mentor and supporter to her patients. She makes sure she explains the disease etiology to all her patients and treats the patients in the most efficient way possible.She is an excellent surgeon and in case surgery is required for any of your ailments, you can blindly rely on her. So next time you are stuck on where to go, kindly contact her in fortis hospital or Kalosa Clinic.