Annual Well-Woman Exam Specialists

Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility

Obstetrics and Gynecologist located in Inner Richmond & Lakeside neighborhoods, San Francisco, CA

An annual well-woman exam is necessary to prevent chronic diseases and serious gynecological issues, like cervical cancer. The team welcomes patients from the LGBTQ community who are in need of gynecological exams. You can book your annual well-woman visit through the website, or you can call to speak with a team member at the office nearest you today.

Annual Well-Woman Exam Q & A

Why is an annual well-woman exam important?

An annual well-woman exam is important for any patient who has a vagina, vulva, uterus, cervix, ovaries, or breasts. These exams are essential preventive-care visits designed to:

Prevent and treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Help you with family planning and birth control
Screen for gynecological and breast cancer
Manage menarche or menopause-related symptoms

What can I expect during an annual well-woman exam?

Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility provides comprehensive well-woman and gynecological exams in a caring environment. During your routine gynecological exam, your OB/GYN may:

Screen for STDs
Conduct a pelvic and breast exam
Update your birth control medications
Evaluate your personal and family medical history
Order a mammogram (breast cancer screening)
Perform a Pap smear (cervical cancer screening)
Order laboratory testing, such as a urinalysis or blood draw
Provide a GARDASIL® human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

Your OB/GYN also needs to know the first day of your most recent menstrual period (if applicable). This is your time to let them know about any concerns or symptoms you have, so they can order the proper screenings and determine if you need further treatments.

When should I start having annual well-woman exams?

You should start having annual well-woman exams at Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility between the ages of 13-15. These early exams generally include physicals, menstruation education, and STD prevention counseling.

You typically do not need a Pap smear until about the age of 21. However, if you are sexually active and having vaginal, anal, or oral sex before this age, you may need STD testing and routine pelvic exams.

How do I prepare for a well-woman exam?

To prepare for your upcoming well-woman exam at Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility, it’s helpful to send over medical records from your previous OB/GYN. You should also:

Write down all medications and dosages (or bring in the bottles)
Bring in your updated insurance information
Make a list of any symptoms you have

If you need a Pap smear, please notify the office regarding heavy bleeding on the day of your exami in order to prevent interference with the lab result interpretation.

If you’re due for an annual well-woman exam, contact Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility today. You can conveniently schedule an appointment online or over the phone with the office nearest you.