We’ve heard it called “the annual,” the gynecological wellness exam and the “well-woman” visit. No matter the descriptor, many women experience anxiety, or even trepidation, about what this yearly checkup entails, whether due to misinformation we’ve seen online or mistaken claims repeated by our girlfriends.
Instead of approaching these appointments with dread, we should leverage our annual gynecologic visits as an opportunity to talk with our doctors about preventive measures to protect our health, including from diseases like cervical cancer. Based on my experience as a gynecologic surgical oncologist and patient, here are four questions I hope every woman will consider asking at their next annual exam.
1. Is my cycle normal? Pre-menopausal women should give their health care providers an overview of their cycles, such as the frequency, duration and overall pattern of vaginal bleeding. As I often tell my patients, no one should have to suffer through bad periods. If women are experiencing significant changes or post-menopausal bleeding between annual appointments, they should contact their doctors for guidance.
2. Do I need a pap test? Confusion continues to swirl around the topic of pap tests, particularly about when women should start and stop receiving them. Whether to perform this screening is a nuanced decision based on our pap history, age and individual risk factors. Receiving these tests as recommended by our health care providers is crucial to the early detection and effective treatment of cervical cancer.
3. Should I receive a pelvic exam? While it can be slightly uncomfortable, this physical examination allows doctors to check our reproductive organs for any abnormalities, masses or skin changes. Along with our age, our providers will consider our health risks and other factors, such as pregnancy or gynecologic conditions, when making this determination.
4. How can I reduce my risk of cervical cancer? Approximately 90% of cervical cancers are attributable to the human papillomavirus infection (HPV). The good news is the HPV vaccine is effective in preventing infections that can lead to cancer. Women should ask their doctors whether they or their family members should consider vaccination. Based on their family history and fertility goals, they should also discuss their hormonal regimens and daily medications.
As women, we’ve all felt the apprehension that comes with a yearly gynecologic appointment. However, it’s important to remember that we know our bodies best. We should use these visits to speak up and ask questions, including the four above, to safeguard our health. And if issues arise between exams, don’t hesitate to contact your gynecologist or primary care provider.
Kathryn Kennedy, M.D., FACOG, is a gynecologic surgical oncologist at CARTI.