Routine and Yearly Examinations
What to Expect for Your Annual Gynecology Exams
An important part of staying healthy is having regular gynecological exams beginning at age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active. Dr. Quanita Crable provides annual well-woman exams for women of all ages at her gynecology office in Dallas, TX. Learn more about the importance of preventative care and call (469) 364-3764 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
Preventive care includes:
- Discussion of health topics based on your age and risk factors
- Exams and screening tests
- Immunizations
In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, Dr. Crable will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period, and sexual activities. During your exam, Dr. Crable will perform the following exams and tests.
Breast Exam
During your breast exam, Dr. Crable will check your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump. She will examine each breast by moving his or her fingers around your breast in a pattern. You may also be shown how to perform monthly self-examinations.
Pelvic Exam
During your pelvic exam, Dr. Crable will examine your vagina, cervix, and reproductive organs. Once you place your feet against footrests at the end of the examining table and slide forward, she will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Dr. Crable then places one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina and the other hand presses on your abdomen from the outside to check the size, position, and shape of your internal pelvic organs. The pelvic exam may feel a bit uncomfortable, but should not hurt.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. Dr. Crable will insert a small cotton-tipped swab through the vagina into the cervix. Cells are removed from the cervix and sent to a laboratory to be checked for any abnormalities. The Pap smear is painless.
Well Woman Visits
These assessments should include screening, evaluation and counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors.
At 20 Years old
You should have your first pap test if you haven’t already and have a sexually transmitted infection screening if necessary.
At 30 Years old
Be sure to talk with your ob-gyn if you are planning on getting pregnant. Continue to get an annual well-woman visit during your 30s.
At 40 Years old
Decide with your ob-gyn when you should have a mammogram, especially if you have certain risk factors. If you’re having perimenopause symptoms, there may be ways to manage these symptoms
At 50 Years old
During your 50s, it is good to get a lung cancer screening if you are a current or past smoker. It is also time to have a preventative screening for colorectal cancer.
At 60 Years old
Continue to get regular mammograms and osteoporosis screenings during your 60s.
At 70 Years old
Be sure to get a seasonal flu shot, a shingles shot, and a pneumonia shot, as well as others Dr. Crable may recommend.
At 80 Years old
Ask Dr. Crable about ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your visions or hearing.
Schedule Your Annual Gynecologic Care in Dallas
If notice any changes in your health or are seeking routine gynecologic care, contact Dr. Quanita Crable for routine gynecologic testing and to discuss any questions you may have. To schedule your women’s health appointment at our gynecology office in Dallas, TX, please call (469) 364-3764 or request an appointment through our secure online form.
