Fall is a natural time to reset. The kids are back in school, the holidays are on the calendar, and the end of the year is close. It’s also a good time to check one important thing off your list: your annual exam.
Many women put it off when they feel fine. But this visit is meant for when you feel fine. It gives you and your provider a chance to catch small issues early and plan for the year ahead.
If it’s been a while, or you’re not sure what to expect, here’s a simple guide.
What Is an Annual Exam?
An annual exam is a preventive visit. Its goal is to help you stay healthy, not to treat a specific problem. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a first visit between ages 13 and 15, then a visit every year after that.
Every visit looks a little different. What happens depends on your age, your health history, and your goals. Not every test happens every year, and that’s normal.
What Your Annual Exam Covers
A conversation about your health
Much of the visit is simply talking. Your provider may ask about:
- Your periods, including changes in timing, flow, or pain
- Birth control and family planning
- Sexual health
- Mood, stress, and sleep
- Diet, exercise, and habits like smoking or drinking
- Your family’s health history
This part matters. Your health history is one of the most useful parts of the visit, so be as open as you can. Your answers help your provider decide which tests make sense for you.
Vital signs and a physical exam
Your provider will likely check your blood pressure and weight. They may also feel your neck and thyroid gland to check for lumps or changes.
Breast exam
Your provider may do a breast exam and talk with you about mammograms (X-rays of the breast used to screen for breast cancer). For women at average risk, guidelines suggest starting mammograms at age 40 and repeating them every one to two years. If breast cancer runs in your family, your provider may suggest a different plan.
Pelvic exam
A pelvic exam lets your provider check your vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. It usually takes just a few minutes. Not everyone needs a pelvic exam every year. You and your provider can decide together if one is right for this visit.
Cervical cancer screening
A Pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix. An HPV test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes most cervical cancers. Most women don’t need these tests every year. General guidelines for women at average risk are:
- Ages 21 to 29: a Pap test every 3 years
- Ages 30 to 65: an HPV test every 5 years, a Pap and HPV test together every 5 years, or a Pap test every 3 years
Your provider will let you know which test you’re due for and when. If a result comes back abnormal, learn more about abnormal Pap smears and what happens next.
Other screenings and vaccines
Depending on your age and risk factors, your annual exam may also include:
- Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Blood work for cholesterol or diabetes
- Bone density testing
- Screening for depression or anxiety
- Vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine or a flu shot
- Screening for blood in the stool
Since fall is flu season, it’s a good time to ask about your flu shot too.
Your Annual Exam at Every Stage of Life
Your needs change over time, and so does your visit.
- Teens and young adults: questions about periods, the HPV vaccine, birth control, and healthy habits
- 20s and 30s: family planning, cervical cancer screening, and planning for a healthy pregnancy if that’s a goal
- 40s: mammograms, plus early changes that can come with perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause)
- 50s and beyond: menopause symptoms, bone health, and heart health
How to Prepare for Your Annual Exam
A little prep can help you get the most out of your visit:
- Write down any questions or concerns, even ones that feel small.
- Note the first day of your last period.
- Bring a list of your medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- Learn what you can about your family’s health history.
- Check your insurance. Many plans cover a yearly well-woman visit, but call your plan to confirm what’s included.
If your period starts close to your appointment, call the office before you cancel. In many cases, you can still be seen.
Things to Keep in Mind
Some parts of the exam can feel awkward or a little uncomfortable, especially the pelvic exam. That’s very common. Tell your provider how you’re feeling. You can ask questions, ask them to explain each step, or ask them to pause at any time.
It’s also good to know that screening tests aren’t perfect. Sometimes a result comes back abnormal when nothing is wrong, and you may need a follow-up test. Your provider can walk you through what your results mean and what comes next.
When to See a Provider Sooner
Your annual exam isn’t the only time you can come in. It’s a good idea to make an appointment sooner if you notice:
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause
- A new lump or change in your breast
- Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away
- Unusual vaginal discharge, odor, or itching
- Periods that are much heavier or more painful than usual
- Hot flashes, sleep problems, or mood changes that affect your daily life
Make Your Annual Exam Part of Your Fall Reset
An annual exam is one of the simplest things you can do for your health this season. It’s a chance to ask questions, stay current on screenings, and start the new year with a clear plan.
Rhett Women’s Center cares for women from their teen years through menopause. If it’s been more than a year since your last annual exam, now is a great time to schedule an appointment.