Annual Gynecology Exam in Chula Vista
Gynecologic Care for Prevention and Early Detection
An important part of staying healthy is to have regular gynecological exams beginning at age 18, or within three years of becoming sexually active.
Preventive care at Kamali OBGYN includes:
- Discussion of Health Topics Based on Your Age and Risk Factors
- Exams & Screening Tests
- Immunizations
Dr. Kamali is a board-certified OBGYN with extensive experience providing gynecologic care to women at his gynecology office in Chula Vista, CA. To schedule your annual gynecology exam in San Diego and southern San Diego, please call (619) 271-2700 or request an appointment through our secure online form!
What to Expect During an Annual Gynecologic Exam?
In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your OBGYN will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period and sexual activities. During your exam, your OBGYN will perform the following exams and tests. If the OBGYN is male, a female nurse remains in the room during your exam.
What is a Breast Exam?
During your breast exam, your OBGYN will check your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump. He or 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.
What is a Pelvic Exam?
During your pelvic exam, your OBGYN 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, your OBGYN will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Your OBGYN 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.
What is a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. The OBGYN 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.
What Should You Get a Gynecologic Exam?
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 obgyn 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 obgyn 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 your OBGYN may recommend.
At 80 Years old
Discuss with your OBGYN ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your visions or hearing.
Schedule Your Annual Gynecology Exam in Chula Vista, CA Today!
Dr. Ray P. Kamali is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to women throughout San Diego and southern San Diego regions. Dr. Kamali has extensive experience performing routine well-woman exams and will take time to answer any questions you may have. To schedule a consultation at our gynecology clinic in Chula Vista, please call (619) 271-2700 or request an appointment through our secure online form.