Español Health Glossary Store
Planned Parenthood
 
Home Health Topics Issues & Action Donate Resources for Educators Newsroom About Us
Who We Are
Our Health Services
Local Training and Education
Get Involved Locally
Health Centers
Online Health Center
About Your Appointment
Annual Exam
Birth Control: Pills, Condoms, Depo-Provera, etc.
Breast Exam
Colposcopy
Emergency Contraception (EC)
Gardasil: HPV Vaccine
Male Services
Menopause/Midlife Services
Pregnancy Testing and Counseling
Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Treatment
Vaginal Infection Testing and Treatment

Annual Exam (Pap Test)




Women who are 21 years of age and/or sexually active should have a pelvic exam annually which checks the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and cervix for signs of infection and/or abnormality.  Pap tests are part of an annual exam, and they test for abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate cervical cancer. 


In addition, annual exams may include:

  • A clinical breast exam
  • Tests for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia
  • A rectal exam
  • Blood pressure check

A patient should not have vaginal intercourse or insert anything into her vagina for 24-48 hours prior to an annual exam. 

If you're interested in learning more about your annual exam, please click here.

For payment information, please click here.  Please click here for information about scheduling an appointment. It is best to schedule an exam when a patient is not having her period.