Annual Gyn Exams Specialist
Vinu Ganti, MD
Internists located in Germantown, MD
If you’re a woman, an essential part of your preventive care involves getting yearly gynecological (gyn) examinations. While they might seem uncomfortable at first, getting an annual gyn exam can improve your health and peace of mind. Vinu Ganti, MD, provides thorough annual gyn exams and lab testing at his office in Germantown, Maryland. For more information about the exams, call Vinu Ganti, MD, or book an appointment online today.
Annual Gyn Exams Q&A
What is an annual gynecology exam?
An annual gynecology exam or annual gyn exam is a key part of checking in on your sexual and reproductive health as a woman. The examination checks for changes or signs of disease in your:
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Uterus
- Ovaries
- Breasts
- Other female organs
Before your exam, you have the opportunity to ask Dr. Ganti questions about symptoms or details affecting your sexual or reproductive health.
A typical annual gyn exam includes several components: a pelvic exam, a breast exam, and a Pap smear.
During your pelvic exam, Dr. Ganti uses a speculum to expand your tissues and view your internal organs. He also examines your vulva, which is the external part of your female genitalia. You start getting regular Pap tests as part of your gynecology exams once you turn 21. Pap tests check for changes in the cells of your cervix.
During the breast exam, Dr. Ganti feels your breasts for lumps or tissue irregularities. These tests screen for breast cancer, and Dr. Ganti can teach you to check yourself in the same way at home.
Do I really need annual gyn exams?
Annual gyn exams should be a part of your regular health care routine. As the name implies, you should get them at least once a year. You might need them more frequently if you’re at risk for certain diseases or conditions, or if you have health concerns and want more regular testing for peace of mind.
Your exams might involve different components as you age, too. For example, Dr. Ganti provides birth control counseling and family planning for women of childbearing age. As another example, you start getting mammograms, or imaging screenings for breast cancer, after you turn 40. When you hit menopause, you can bring up your symptoms and discuss management strategies for them. Estrogen loss can lead to osteoporosis, and Dr. Ganti can help treat it.
How should I prepare for my annual gyn exam?
There are several steps you can take to prepare for your annual gynecology exam. Taking these steps can make your appointment as uncomplicated and as quick as possible. In most cases, you should schedule your appointment at a time when you’re not on your period. However, if you have certain symptoms or concerns about menstruation, Dr. Ganti might recommend scheduling your exam during your period instead.
To prepare for an annual gyn exam, you should:
- Avoid vaginal intercourse for one day
- Avoid using tampons for one day
- Avoid douching and other vaginal cleansing products for one day
- Bring a list of questions and concerns if you have any
These exams are routine and generally not painful. If you have concerns about mental or physical discomfort during a gynecology exam, you should tell Dr. Ganti beforehand so he can make accommodations if necessary.
To book your next annual gyn exam, call Vinu Ganti, MD, or use the online scheduling tool today.