An annual well-woman exam, often simply called an annual, is essential for proactively managing your health across the stages of your life. At The Woman’s Health Pavilion, our OB-GYN providers in Queens and Long Island specialize exclusively in women’s health—from puberty to menopause and beyond. Our goal is to nurture each patient’s overall wellbeing by providing high-quality care in a welcoming, supportive environment. While each annual exam is personalized to the unique needs of the patient, this page provides a general overview of what to expect.
Intake
Your annual will start with a friendly greeting from a member of our front office staff who will collect your current ID, insurance card, and co-pay (if applicable). You will be asked to complete or update our basic intake forms including our new patient forms. You’ll then be taken to the clinical area to complete your health history and examination.
Health History
We’ll ask you several questions about your health history. It’s helpful to consider the following questions in advance of your scheduled appointment; if you have a complex history, it’s particularly helpful to write down the details before you come in.
- Date of your last menstrual period (LMP)
- Menstruation: frequency, duration, heaviness of flow
- Pregnancies: number of pregnancies, births, miscarriages, terminations, and ectopic pregnancies
- Medical problems: Including significant past or current conditions requiring medical care
- Prior surgeries: Name of specific procedure, date, and reason for the surgery
- Family history of cancer, diabetes, and other diseases/disorders
- Medications, vitamins, and supplements: types, dosages, and frequency
- Smoking, alcohol, and drug use
- Immunizations: types and dates
Other aspects of your health history will include any current complaints, as well as questions about sexuality, contraception, and future plans for pregnancy. Nothing is off-limits here: We want you to feel free to speak openly and ask any questions that are on your mind.
Physical Exam
Once your health history is complete, we will provide you with a gown and ask you to undress. For most adult women, this means taking off all clothes, including your underwear (but it’s ok to leave your socks and even your shoes on). When you’re ready, one of our physicians or advanced care practitioners will return to complete the rest of your annual exam. You may be asked additional questions to clarify your health history. A physical exam is then perfomed with a focus on the breast, abdomen and pelvic areas.
Pelvic Exam
The pelvic exam assesses the health of your external genitalia, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. It is possible to detect pelvic masses (including fibroids and ovarian cysts), sexually transmitted infections, and even certain types of cancer. If an internal exam is needed, a smooth, lubricated speculum is inserted into the vagina all the way up to the cervix. A Pap smear may be performed to collect cervical cells and secretions for cancer and HPV screening.
Women over age 65 or who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) not related to cancer may not require Pap smears. We discuss this with patients on a case-by-case basis.
Ultrasound Imaging (Sonography)
Each of our offices is equipped with high-resolution ultrasound equipment; in addition, a specially trained technician is present to perform examinations for our patients.
Ultrasound imaging is a helpful complement to a pelvic exam. Using a handheld transducer over the abdomen or in the vagina, we can obtain detailed images of the uterus and ovaries. Each of our offices is equipped with a high-resolution ultrasound operated by a specially-trained technician.
Cancer Screening
Depending on your age and family history, your annual exam may include a cancer screening test. Some women may require a referral to an outside facility to get certain imaging done. We strongly advise our patients to have their recommended screening on time. Over our years in practice, many lives have been saved by catching early cancers.
| Type of Cancer | Typical Age Screening Begins | Screening Procedure |
| Cervical cancer | 21 | Pap smear/HPV testing |
| Breast cancer | 40 | Mammogram |
| Colon cancer | 45-50 | Colonoscopy |
These are general guidelines only. Certain women may require additional screening or earlier testing based on their individual cancer risk. We may also offer diabetes and osteoporosis screening depending on your age and risk factors.
When should a young woman have her first annual?
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that young women have their first OB-GYN visit between the ages of 13 to 15 years. While all of our provides are trained in adolescent gynecology, some teens may feel more comfortable scheduling their first visit with one of our very personable and younger female practitioners. We aim to create a comfortable and judgment-free environment for all our patients. Pelvic exams are generally reserved for those with symptoms.
The first gynecology visit is an opportunity to create a trusting connection in a safe setting. We encourage our young clientele to protect their physical, reproductive, and emotional health, and to make smart choices. After the age of 21, young women should have yearly well-woman exams.
Schedule Your Annual Today
To meet with a gynecologist or other experienced practitioner at one of our multiple offices in Queens or on Long Island, contact us using our online form or by giving us a call. Most health insurance plans cover a well-woman exam each year free of cost. We welcome you to bring a list of questions so that we can address them.
May We Help You?
Would you like to find out more about our treatments and services? Are you looking for a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment recommendation you received at another practice? The experienced team at The Woman’s Health Pavilion is happy to help. Just let us know how and when you would like to hear from us.
