Specialists in Women’s Healthcare for More Than 40 Years
Many Many women avoid annual gynecology exams due to anxiety over pelvic pain or discomfort. While we understand your concerns at Walnut Hill Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, we strive to emphasize the importance of well-woman exams because they save lives. Women’s wellness exams at our Dallas, TX clinic can detect early stages of cervical and breast cancer. Health screenings and lifestyle guidance are part of the exceptional women’s healthcare that has made us a North Texas staple for over 40 years. You needn’t fear your annual wellness exam with our friendly, gentle doctors and staff. Instead, you should think of it as bringing you peace of mind that nothing is wrong with your health or alerting you to any health concerns before they progress into more serious complications. Come see us today!
What Exams Are Included in Walnut Hill’s Well-Woman Exams?
Well-woman exams are your first line of defense against diseases of the female reproductive system. As a woman ages, her healthcare needs to be optimized to address specific concerns she may be facing. As part of our annual well-woman visits at Walnut Hill Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, we include all of the following to encompass all your women’s healthcare needs in the Dallas area:
Women’s Physical Exams
The physical exam is much like what your general practitioner provides, except many patients find it more convenient to take care of this during their well-woman exam. Your gynecologist will review your medical and vaccination history, current medications, and ask about any current issues. They will check your vital signs, weight, blood pressure, heartbeat, lungs, head, neck, thyroid, abdomen, and reflexes. Sometimes, they may ask for blood work to check your cholesterol, blood sugars, and more. They may also discuss how your diet and exercise affect your health and recommend lifestyle changes you may want to implement for your overall wellness.
Breast Exams
Breast exams help detect breast cancer signs early enough to make a difference in treatment. During your breast exam, your gynecologist will look for lumps or irregularities in your breasts. They will also teach you how to perform a self-examination in-between visits. Women between 20 and 39 without a family history of breast cancer or significant risk factors should get a breast exam every 1-3 years. Those 40 and above should get a breast exam – along with a mammogram (breast X-ray) – every year. Women with dense breast tissue or breast implants may need breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instead of a mammogram for the most accurate results.
Pelvic Exams
Pelvic exams help detect early-stage cancers, sexually transmitted diseases, and causes of inflammation. During your gynecology exam, your doctor will examine the size and position of your ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and fallopian tubes. Pelvic exams often reveal cysts, infections, abnormal vaginal discharge, genital warts, irritation, and other issues. Women 21 and over should get a yearly pelvic exam. Those under 21 should get one if experiencing menstrual disorders, vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain. If you’re concerned you may have a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted disease, be sure to discuss this with your gynecologist during your pelvic exam.
Pap Smear Tests
Pap smear tests help us detect early forms of cervical cancer. Your gynecologist will gently scrape cells from your cervix during a pelvic exam. Women 21 and above – and those who have been sexually active for over three years – should have a pap smear test done every other year. If you’re over the age of 65 or have had a non-cancer-related hysterectomy, you no longer need to worry about pap smears. Occasionally, follow-up testing may be required to verify pap smear results. A loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP) procedure can remove abnormal cells for further testing, while a colposcopy procedure may give us a clearer picture of your cervix after abnormal pap smear test results.Pap smear tests help us detect early forms of cervical cancer. Your gynecologist gently scrapes cells from your cervix during a pelvic exam. Women 21 and above — and those sexually active for over three years — should have this test done every other year.
Discuss Your Women’s Healthcare Concerns Today
Your doctor needs to know all of your women’s healthcare concerns to best care for you. An annual gynecology exam at Dallas’ Walnut Hill Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates is an ideal time to share issues, problems, or concerns about women’s wellness. If you haven’t had an annual well-woman exam in the last year, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. You may also download our forms.