Gynecological Exams
Healthcare Services
Gynecological Exams and Healthcare Services in Houston
Gynecological exams are critical for safeguarding women from debilitating conditions and certain cancers all throughout their life. From age 21, you’ll need to schedule regular exams with a skilled gynecologist to ensure you’re at minimal risk. The experienced women’s health physicians at St. Hope Healthcare have the expertise and resources to reduce your risk and tackle the different challenges women face as they age, keeping you healthy throughout every stage of your life.
Types of Gynecological Exams
Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam involves examining your reproductive organs for signs of disease. It’s one of the primary gynecological exams for women, as it checks everything regarding pelvic organ health: the vagina, vulva, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and even your bladder.
Pap Smear
A pap smear is a health check that focuses primarily on checking for cervical cancer by collecting cells to analyze for malignant indicators. Pap smears and pelvic exams are commonly confused but are two different exams. A pelvic exam is used to ascertain the overall health of your reproductive organs, while a pap smear prioritizes finding precancerous abnormalities, such as HPV infections.
Breast Exam
During a breast exam, a physician checks your breast tissues for lumps, changes in your nipples’ appearance and other indicators of breast cancer. If any concerns are raised during the exam, your doctor may request a mammogram, or an x-ray of the breast, to examine the issue further and potentially determine a diagnosis.
Other Women’s Health Exams
Other gynecological exams include sexually transmitted infections (STI) exams and bone density exams, which are used to analyze bone strength and mineral content. These aren’t needed regularly and are typically only required either on a needs basis or for women older than 65 who are at elevated risk of developing osteoporosis.
What Exams Should I Get and When?
| Age Range | Recommended Exams and Screenings | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 11-12 | HPV Vaccine | Two to three doses, depending on age |
| 20-29 | Pelvic Exam | Annually, or as recommended |
| Pap Smear | Every three years | |
| Breast Exam | Every one to three years | |
| STI Testing | Annually, if sexually active | |
| 30-39 | Pelvic Exam | Annually, or as recommended |
| Pap Smear + HPV Test | Every five years, or just the Pap smear every three years | |
| Breast Exam | Every one to three years | |
| STI Testing | Annually, if sexually active | |
| 40-64 | Pelvic Exam | Annually, or as recommended |
| Pap Smear + HPV Test | Every five years, or just the Pap smear every three years | |
| Breast Exam | Annually | |
| Mammogram | Every one to two years starting at age 40 | |
| STI Testing | Annually, if sexually active | |
| 65+ | Pelvic Exam | Annually or as recommended |
| Pap Smear + HPV Test | Discuss with healthcare provider; may be discontinued if you have a history of normal results | |
| Breast Exam | Annually | |
| Mammogram | Every one to two years | |
| Bone Density Test | At least once; recommended frequency will be based on results and risk factors | |
| STI Testing | Annually, if sexually active |
Reproductive Health Risk Factors for Women
While every woman needs routine gynecological exams, you may require more frequent exams if you’ve had:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV infection), which can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer
- Weakened immune system from HIV or another autoimmune disease
- Certain benign breast conditions like atypical hyperplasia
- A history of positive STI results, with chlamydia being especially high-risk
- A family history of cervical or breast cancer
- A poor diet without essential nutrients
- Early menstruation before age 12
- Late menopause after age 55
- Obesity
- Are older than 50
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Hormone replacement surgery
- Multiple pregnancies
- Late pregnancy after age 30
- Young pregnancy at age 17
- Long-term use of birth control
- Dense breast tissue
Why Gynecological Exams Are Important
Gynecological exams are critical for staying on top of your health. They provide crucial early detection for certain conditions and cancers, allowing your physician to identify problems early and stop them from progressing with prompt and aggressive treatment. Gynecological exams address all areas of women’s health – including contraception guidance, menstrual irregularities, family planning, hormone imbalances and menopause management.
Getting regular check-ups can give women peace of mind that they’re in good health and that any potential issues will be addressed early and promptly treated.
Do You Need to Prepare for a Gynecological Exam?
Gynecological exams don’t require significant prep. The only things women will need to do before are to avoid sex, douching and vaginal creams for up to 48 hours maximum to avoid contaminating the results, and to wear comfortable clothing that you can take off easily.
Houston Women Can Receive Comprehensive Gynecological Exams From the Experienced Healthcare Professionals at St. Hope Healthcare
The team at St. Hope Healthcare has been providing dedicated women’s health services, including thorough gynecological exams, for nearly 25 years, giving our patients peace of mind that their health is in good hands. Learn more about our services today by calling
(713) 778-1300 or by scheduling an appointment
online.
