Gynecological Screening

    A woman’s health requires annual attention and visits to the gynecologist. Even if you are behind in your annuals, make an appointment today to keep current on your pelvic and pap smear tests. Early detection is the best way to live a long and healthy life. The following list is a sampling of common tests we will suggest upon your annual visit depending on your age group. Your risk factors, activity level, family and medical history and smoking habits will determine the provider’s recommendation of scheduled screening tests.

18 years of age and younger:

• Establish a relationship with a gynecologist and healthcare provider
• Discuss sexuality
• Teach importance of breast self-examination
• Teach the prevention of abnormal pap smears
• Pap and STD screening (yearly when sexually active or beginning at age 18)
• HPV vaccines, ages 9-26

19 - 39 years of age:

• Pap testing (physician and patient discretion after three consecutive normal tests if results are at low risk)
• Pelvic exam
• Explain breast self-examination
• STD testing (if requested)
• HPV vaccines through the age of 26

40 - 64 years of age:

• Pap testing (physician and patient discretion after three consecutive normal tests if results are at low risk)
• Pelvic exam (Even if a woman had a hysterectomy, a pelvic exam is still needed to monitor remaining ovaries. If the hysterectomy was performed for cervical dysplasia, cancer or abnormal pap results, pap exams are still required).
• Mammogram (every year beginning at age 40)
• Explain breast self-examination
• Cholesterol testing (every 5 years beginning at age 45)
• Thyroid testing
• STD check (if requested)
• Yearly fecal occult blood testing, every 5 years
• Fasting glucose testing (every 3 years after age 45)

65 years of age and older:

• Pap testing (physician and patient discretion after three consecutive normal tests (if results are at low risk).
• Pelvic exams (even if a woman had a hysterectomy, a pelvic exam is required to monitor the remaining ovaries. If the hysterectomy was performed for cervical dysplasia, cancer or abnormal pap results, pap exams are still required).
• Urinalysis
• Mammogram: annually
• Cholesterol testing (every 3-5 years before age 75)
• Fecal occult blood testing plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or colonoscopy every 10 years
• Fasting glucose testing (every 3 years)

Medicare Patients: Please be aware of Medicare’s policy of paying for an annual only once every two years. You may come for your annual on a yearly basis; however, you will be required to pay for that extra visit at the time of your appointment.