What is an Ob/Gyn Exam?
We think that women who dread their annual exam simply haven’t yet found the right NYC Ob/Gyn. Your annual Well-Woman Ob/Gyn exam at Viva Eve is nothing to fear, dread, or worry about. Consider it one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself because it enables your NYC Ob/Gyn to catch potential problems before you actually begin experiencing symptoms. Early detection drastically improves your chances of dealing with serious medical conditions successfully. An annual NYC Ob/Gyn exam is a necessary part of being a woman.
Viva Eve’s Well-Woman Annual Ob/Gyn NYC Exam is not just a checkmark, it is an important opportunity for a real conversation with your doctor that will help you not just get healthy, but stay healthy.
How do you prepare for an Ob/Gyn Exam?
Try to schedule your annual Ob/Gyn exam between your menstrual cycles because menstruation can interfere with your exam or any tests that are conducted. Do not have intercourse or insert anything — douches, tampons, etc. — into your vagina for at least 24 hours prior to your visit. These activities and products may irritate your vaginal tissue and increase the likelihood of incorrect Pap smear or lab results.
Also, be aware of the dates of your menstruation because your NYC Ob/Gyn is sure to inquire about when your last period was and how long it lasted. Your doctor may also ask questions about your sexual activity and any previous pregnancies. These questions aren’t meant to make you feel uncomfortable or invade your privacy, but to provide you with the best care for your individual needs.
Why are Ob/Gyn Exams performed?
Your Viva Eve Ob/Gyn yearly exams are essential for preventive care, early detection of any health issues, and the management of various reproductive and gynecological conditions. Here are some key reasons why Ob/Gyn exams are performed:
- Routine Check-up allow your Viva Eve healthcare providers to identify potential issues early, and provide guidance on maintaining optimal health.
- Screening for Diseases: Ob/Gyn exams involve screening for a range of conditions, including STDs, cervical cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other gynecological cancers.
- Pregnancy Care: Ob/Gyn exams are crucial for monitoring pregnancies and can track fetal growth, detect potential complications, and provide guidance on prenatal care.
- Contraception and Family Planning: your expert Viva Eve healthcare provider can help you choose birth control option based on your individual circumstances and preferences.
- Menstrual Health: Ob/Gyn exams address menstrual health concerns, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or painful periods and can diagnose conditions like of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or Fibroids.
- Pelvic Exams: Pelvic exams can help detect abnormalities, such as fibroids, cysts, or infections.
- Preventive Care: Ob/Gyn exams offer an opportunity for preventive care discussions, including advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases related to reproductive health.
- Menopause Management: Ob/Gyn exams can help manage symptoms and provide guidance on hormonal changes, bone health, and other issues associated with this life stage.
- Fertility Evaluation: Ob/Gyn exams can initiate the evaluation process to identify potential causes of fertility issues and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Adolescent Care: Young patients may have their first Ob/Gyn exams during adolescence to establish a baseline of reproductive health and address any concerns related to puberty or menstrual cycles.
What can you expect during an Ob/Gyn Exam?
Your expert NYC Ob/Gyn who is part of the Viva integrated specialty practice is both an obstetrician (a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth) and a gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in a woman’s reproductive system). Just as women’s healthcare needs change as they age, their annual well-woman Ob/Gyn exams change too. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during your next annual visit with your Ob/Gyn based on your age:
The early years: Ages 15 to 21
Viva Eve’s NYC Ob/Gyns recommend that young women start having an annual visit with an Ob/Gyn around age 15. Some parents don’t think it is necessary to bring their daughter to the Ob/Gyn and some young girls are nervous about the visit. We think that these years are important for a young woman to get comfortable with an NYC Ob/Gyn they can trust. At this age, the visit is usually more of a conversation about their overall health, birth control and sexually transmitted diseases for young women who are sexually active. At this age it is more of a conversation than an exam. In most cases, a pelvic exam is not necessary.
Reproductive years: early 20s to mid-40s
Starting at this stage in life, the annual exam includes a pelvic exam and a breast exam. We will check for abnormalities, such as lumps or painful areas, uterine fibroids, and talk with you about any concern you might have (like benign but annoying conditions, such as UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, etc.).
We will also check your blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), talk about nutrition, exercise, and weight management to help reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers down the line. The large number of patients in this age group are interested in or becoming pregnant.
During the visit we will talk about birth control, fertility options, fertility planning, and what may work best for you, your lifestyle, and stage of life.
Perimenopause and menopause: mid 40s to 50s
The average age of menopause is 50 to 52. At this stage in life, many women might be having irregular or heavy periods. Their hormones may be fluctuating, leading to typical menopause symptoms, such as night sweats, mood swings, and hot flashes.
This is also the age when most women need to start getting mammograms (link to the new Breast health page). The 2015 American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines suggest that women start getting annual mammograms at age 45 instead of age 40. This change is controversial among doctors and patients. The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that women start mammograms at age 40. Your NYC Ob/Gyn will make a recommendation based on your specific circumstances, like family history, the age any of your close female relatives were diagnosed, etc.
Age 55 and onward
In this age range, women often encounter more issues with hormone changes. Vaginal dryness and decreased sexual desire often become problems, so your NYC Ob/Gyn will discuss the treatment for these issues, including counseling, if needed. As you age, your doctor may reduce your exams to every two years. But once a year is still the golden standard. You should prepare a list of all the questions you have for your OB/GYN in advance. This helps you to be better prepared and more comfortable.
Your NYC Ob/Gyn visits should start well before family planning and should not end after the reproductive years. It’s vital for women to pay attention to their health needs to promote wellness through all stages of life.
The NYC Ob/Gyn exam procedure is nothing to be afraid of. During your pelvic exam, your doctor inspects your internal and external genitalia. Using the bathroom prior to your exam can make you more comfortable. Remember that any anxiety you experience is normal. But you can be confident that your Viva Eve NYC OB/GYN will do everything he or she can to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Typically, your pelvic exam takes just a few minutes.
The purpose of your breast exam (link to the new Breast health page) is to check your breast tissue for any lumps or irregularities. Your doctor makes gentle motions on your breast that almost feel like a massage. This also only takes about a minute per breast. If you experience pain or discomfort during your breast exam, be sure to let your NYC Ob/Gyn know immediately. Your doctor also provides instructions for you to conduct self-exams between your annual Ob/Gyn exams.
What is the followup and recovery like for an Ob/Gyn Exam?
The follow-up and recovery process after an Ob/Gyn exam can vary depending on the specific procedures performed and the individual’s health condition. Here is a general overview of what to expect in terms of follow-up and recovery. It may include:
- Discussion of exam findings and potential treatment options.
- Monitoring: If you are pregnant or have a specific gynecological condition, your healthcare provider may schedule regular check-ups and monitoring
- If any procedures were performed as part of the exam, your healthcare provider will provide instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure and what to expect in terms of recovery time and any potential discomfort.
What are the potential costs for an Ob/Gyn Exam?
The potential costs associated with a hysteroscopy can vary depending on several factors, including the specific procedure performed, the healthcare provider, the location, and your insurance coverage. Most insurances cover a yearly Ob/Gyn exam.
What are the potential risks for an Ob/Gyn Exam?
Obstetric and gynecological (Ob/Gyn) exams are generally safe and important for maintaining reproductive health. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and discomforts associated with these exams. It’s important to note that the risks are usually minimal and can be mitigated through proper procedures, hygiene, and communication with your healthcare provider.
Are there related procedures to an Ob/Gyn Exam?
Yes, there are several related procedures that may be conducted as part of or in addition to an Obstetric and Gynecological (Ob/Gyn) exam. Here are some common related procedures that may be conducted:
- Pap Smear (Pap Test): A Pap smear is a screening test that involves collecting cells from the cervix to detect abnormal changes that could indicate cervical cancer or other cervical conditions. It’s often performed during a pelvic exam and is recommended regularly for individuals of a certain age.
- Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam involves the visual and manual examination of the pelvic organs, including the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and vagina. It may be performed as a routine part of a gynecological exam or if there are specific concerns.
- Breast Examination: As part of a well-woman exam, healthcare providers may perform a clinical breast examination to check for any abnormalities, lumps, or changes in the breasts that could indicate breast cancer or other conditions.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: This procedure uses a probe inserted into the vagina to create images of the pelvic organs. It’s often used to assess the uterus, ovaries, and other structures and is particularly useful for monitoring pregnancies and diagnosing certain conditions.
- Colposcopy: A colposcopy is performed to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva if there are abnormal Pap smear results or other concerns. A special instrument called a colposcope is used to magnify and illuminate the tissues.
- Biopsy: A biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis. It may be performed during a colposcopy or other procedures to diagnose or rule out conditions such as cervical dysplasia or uterine abnormalities.
- Endometrial Biopsy: This procedure involves sampling tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to diagnose conditions such as abnormal bleeding or to assess the presence of certain cancers.
- STD Testing: Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may involve collecting samples (such as urine, blood, or swabs) to screen for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
- Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera (hysteroscope) into the uterus to visualize and potentially treat conditions like abnormal bleeding, fibroids, or polyps.
- Mammogram: mammograms are recommended for breast cancer screening and use X-rays to detect early signs of breast cancer. Your Viva Eve healthcare provider will give you a referral to an imaging center where this important test is performed.
These procedures are conducted based on individual needs, medical history, symptoms, and the healthcare provider’s clinical judgment. It’s important to have open communication with your healthcare provider about any concerns, questions, or preferences you may have regarding these procedures as part of your reproductive health care.
Complex GYN Conditions
During a thorough examination and a conversation with your Ob/Gyn, your doctor may find early signs of conditions such as:
By relying on your trusted NYC Ob/Gyn to recommend the best treatments for any conditions that come to light during your annual exam, you know that you are doing everything you can to maintain your health and well-being.
Our expert NYC women’s health specialists are committed to staying current with the latest advances and technology, so you can feel confident that you’re getting the highest level of care available.Today, we offer virtually every women’s health service you may need, including many in-office tests and treatments.
Our goal is to be your trusted health advisor for each stage of your life.