Annual Gynecology Exams in Atlanta, GA
With 20 years of experience, board-certified gynecologist Rita Sharma, MD FACOG, demonstrates professionalism and expertise at every level. Offering a full range of gynecology services, our goal is to offer patient-centered medical care based on mutual trust and communication at our office in Tucker, GA.
An important part of staying healthy is to have regular gynecological exams beginning at age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active.
Preventive care includes:
- Discussion of health topics based on your age and risk factors
- Exams and screening tests
- Immunizations
What to Expect for Your Annual Gynecology Exams?
In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your doctor will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period, and sexual activities. During your exam, Dr. Sharma will perform the following exams and tests.
What Happens During a Breast Exam?
During your breast exam, Dr. Sharma will check your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump. Dr. Sharma 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 Happens During a Pelvic Exam?
During your pelvic exam, Dr. Sharma 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, Dr. Sharma will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Dr. Sharma 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 Happens During a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. Dr. Sharma 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 Dr. Sharma if you are planning on getting pregnant. Continue to get an annual well-woman visit during your 30s.
At 40 Years old
Decide with Dr. Sharma 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 doctor may recommend.
At 80 Years old
Discuss with Dr. Sharma ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your vision or hearing.
Schedule Your Well-Woman Exam in Atlanta, GA Today!
If you are due to have your annual well-woman exam, don’t wait! Call Dr. Sharma at (770) 723-1545 and schedule your appointment at our office in Tucker, Georgia today!
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