Public Cervix Announcement: Schedule Your Wellness Visit

Are you dreading your annual “wellness visit”? Not sure how often you need to see a health care provider? Wondering if you can avoid pelvic exams forever? Knowing more about what to expect and how to prepare for your next wellness visit can help ease your anxiety. Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) is here to provide the compassionate care you deserve.  

Let’s review a few wellness visit basics: 

What is a Wellness Visit?

Your wellness visit is all about you, your body, and your reproductive health. You may also hear these visits called gynecological exams, pelvic exams, or annual exams. If you have a vulva, breasts, or a uterus, these visits are an important part of taking care of your health (no matter what your gender identity is). 

Wellness visits are a yearly reproductive health visit with your health care provider. You might talk about your period, especially if you’re worried about it being heavy, painful, or irregular. If you’re under 18, you may get some shots, like the HPV vaccine. And if you’re sexually active (meaning you’ve had vaginal, anal, or oral sex), you may talk about birth control or sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. 

This is a time to ask all your questions, prioritize your sexual health, and ensure that you are living your best life. Even if there’s nothing wrong, you should still see a provider about your sexual and reproductive health needs every year. 

What Services are Provided During a Wellness Visit?

During a wellness visit, you will receive some specific prevention-related tests and exams. The type of tests and exams depend on your age, medical history, and when you had your last test: 

• Ages 21 to 24: A pelvic exam is a regular part of your wellness visit once you turn 21. You may also choose to start getting Pap tests or you can wait until you’re 25 years old to start getting tested. 

• Ages 25 to 65: HPV test (or a Pap and HPV test together) every 5 years. 

• Ages 25 to 39: Clinical breast exam every 1 to 3 years. 

• Ages 40 to 50: Clinical breast exam every year and start getting a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. 

As you get older, or if your health changes, your wellness visits will include other tests and exams. You can always talk with your clinician about what tests and exams make sense for you. 

One thing that stays the same, no matter how old you are, is building a good, honest relationship with your care provider. You can talk about healthy relationships and other parts of your emotional health during your wellness visit. The more honest you are, the better care you’ll get. 

What Happens During a Pelvic Exam?

When you turn 21, a pelvic exam is a regular part of your wellness visit. During the exam, a clinician examines your vulva and your internal reproductive organs — your vagina, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. 

There are usually a couple of parts to a pelvic exam: 

• The external exam — Your doctor or nurse will look at your vulva and the opening of your vagina. They’re checking for signs of cysts, abnormal discharge, genital warts, irritation, or other issues. 

• The speculum exam — Your doctor will gently slide a speculum into your vagina. The speculum is made of metal or plastic. It separates the walls of your vagina when it opens. This may feel uncomfortable or weird, but it shouldn’t hurt. 

• The bimanual exam — During this part of the exam, your doctor or nurse will put 1 or 2 gloved and lubricated fingers into your vagina while gently pressing on your lower abdomen with their other hand. This is a way to check for things like pain, ovarian cysts, or tumors.  

A pelvic exam is a normal part of taking care of your body. It will only take a few minutes. Some parts of the exam may be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. If it hurts, say something. Your doctor or nurse may be able to make things more comfortable. This exam is for you, so don't be afraid to speak up. 

How Should You Prepare for a Wellness Visit?

You don’t need to do much to get ready for a wellness visit. But here are some tips to make your wellness visit go as smoothly as possible. 

• Go on a day when you don’t have your period, or it’s at least fairly light — unless you have a bleeding problem that your doctor or nurse wants to see. 

• Make a list of the questions you want to ask your doctor or nurse. Write them down so that it’s easier to remember them during your appointment. 

• Ask if you can have a friend or parent in the room with you if that would make you feel more comfortable. 

So, don’t procrastinate scheduling your next wellness visit and take control of your reproductive health by visiting a PPGOH health center near you! To make an appointment, call 800-230-7526 or schedule a visit online.