Your Annual Exam Is More Than a Pap Smear

Taking the dread out of your annual visit and putting the focus back where it belongs... on you.

It’s time for your annual gyn appointment. The appointment no woman really looks forward to.

I know, trust me. As a midwife, I am the worst patient! I will try to avoid this at all costs. But should we really avoid these visits?

Let’s talk about why these nuisance annual exams exist in the first place.

Let’s set the scene.

It’s 8 a.m. You have the dreaded gyn appointment at 11 today.

Okay, I need to shower, shave... Where is my nice underwear? Why does this sock have a hole in it? Do I need socks? What bra do I wear?

These are the questions on most women’s minds the morning of the appointment. And then, of course, there’s the dreaded pelvic exam and Pap smear.

I promise your gyn provider does not need you to get all gussied up before your appointment, haha. It is nice that you think of us, though! But we absolutely are not judging you.

So, about that Pap smear...

Did you know that you probably don't need one every year?

For women at average risk, Pap smears are recommended every three years from ages 21–29. From ages 30–65, you have a few options: a Pap every three years, high-risk HPV testing every five years, or both together every five years.

That's it. We don't need to go down a cervical cancer screening rabbit hole today.

But has your provider ever actually talked to you about what a Pap smear is screening for?

A Pap smear looks for abnormal cells on your cervix. HPV testing looks for high-risk types of HPV that can cause those abnormal changes. HPV is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers, and cervical cancer, when caught early, is highly treatable.

That is the reason we're doing this. Not because we enjoy making you put your feet in stirrups!

Can you turn down a Pap smear?

Absolutely!

This is about informed choice, not forced choice or coercion. Make sure you understand why a test is being recommended, ask all of your questions, and make the decision that feels right for you.

So is the annual exam just about a Pap smear?

Why do I need to go yearly if the Pap smear isn't even yearly?

Great question!

We are made up of more than just our cervix!!

An annual exam is a great time to talk about your hormones, life, period issues, sexual health, mental health, nutrition, exercise, and breast health. It is also a great time to check up on any blood work or preventive screenings that may need monitoring.

Maybe your periods have suddenly gotten heavier. Maybe sex has become uncomfortable. Maybe your libido has disappeared and you'd really like to know where it went. Maybe you're wondering about birth control, trying to get pregnant, or wondering if these weird changes you've noticed could possibly be perimenopause.

This is the time to focus on you, your health and wellness, and how you're actually feeling.

Some visits can feel rushed, and that is why it is important to find a provider who spends time with you and listens.

Sometimes it can feel like the appointment was just to do a Pap and breast exam and send you on your way.

But it should not be this way.

Our whole health needs to be taken into consideration, so be mindful when choosing your gynecologic provider.

Pelvic exams... we hate them... right?

Well, the good news is there isn't great evidence to support doing a routine internal pelvic exam at every visit when you aren't having any concerning symptoms.

It is pretty unavoidable with a traditional Pap smear, yes. Although, if this part of the exam is particularly difficult for you, you can even talk with your provider about whether they would be comfortable letting you insert your own speculum.

But a pelvic exam without any symptoms or another reason for doing one often doesn't tell your provider very much.

You have every right to turn it down if skipping it isn't offered to you.

If you do have concerns though, like abnormal cycles, painful periods, heavy bleeding, abnormal discharge, pain with intercourse, or pelvic pain, a pelvic exam can often be one puzzle piece in the bigger picture.

And please ask questions!

“Why do you recommend this?”

“Will this help you in any way to make a plan of care for me?”

You are allowed to understand why someone is examining your body before agreeing to it.

An annual is more than a Pap smear!

It is about taking care of your whole self.

I know we dread it, but take the time out of your schedule and be thankful to your body by getting a checkup.

And remember, you do not have to shave. We don't care about your underwear. We don't care if your socks match.

We care about you.

This appointment should be about your health, your wellness, understanding how your body works, and helping you be the best version of yourself.

So make the appointment you've been avoiding.

And yes... I'm talking to myself here, too. 😂

If you're looking for a different kind of women's healthcare, Living Waters Midwifery offers annual wellness exams, cervical cancer screening, and problem-focused gynecologic care in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Learn more about our women's health services or connect with us through Living Waters Midwifery.