You may be surprised to learn that your gynecologist is ideally positioned to meet many of your primary health care needs — after all, gynecologists are specially trained to meet the medical needs of women, and those needs aren’t limited to problems that affect your reproductive system. The experienced team of providers at Women’s Healthcare of Princeton in Princeton, New Jersey, use their specialized skills and broad base of knowledge to provide comprehensive annual well-woman exams to women living in the New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and the greater New York City area. If you’re due for a check-up, call or book your appointment online today.
The annual well-woman exam provides the foundation of preventive care in gynecological medicine. During a well-woman exam, your gynecologist at Women’s Healthcare of Princeton covers many important aspects of your health, including:
A pap test, or pap smear, is an essential tool in cervical cancer prevention that detects abnormal cells in your cervix, which is located where the lower part of your uterus opens into your vagina.
A pap test is usually part of a routine pelvic exam, and it’s generally recommended every three years for women between the ages of 21 and 65. Starting at the age of 30, your doctor may recommend that you either continue having a pap test every three years, or have a pap test along with an HPV screening test every five years.
If you’re at risk for cervical cancer, you’ll probably require more frequent pap smears.
A mammogram is a special type of X-ray used to detect breast cancer in women who don’t otherwise have any signs or symptoms of the disease; it’s also used to help assess any lumps found during a routine breast exam. Most women should start having annual mammograms at the age of 40.
