Well Woman Examination in Fort Worth, TX

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

Dr. Carolyn Quist is a board-certified gynecologist in Fort Worth with over 25 years of experience providing care to women throughout the Fort Worth area. She will take the time to fully explain the exam and answer any questions you may have. Call (817) 926-1313 to schedule an appointment at our Fort Worth Women’s Clinic today!

What to Expect for Your Annual Gynecology Exams?

In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your gynecologist will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period and sexual activities. During your exam, your gynecologist will perform the following exams and tests. If the gynecologist is male, a female nurse remains in the room during your exam.

Breast Exam

During your breast exam, your gynecologist 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.

Pelvic Exam

During your pelvic exam, your gynecologist 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 gynecologist will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. Your gynecologist 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.

Pap Smear

A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. The gynecologist 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.

How Often Should I get a Pap Smear?

Pap smears have long been a part of an annual exam but that is changing.  Studies have shown that with HPV testing and a low risk history you only need to have one every 5 years if over the age of 30 and no change in sexual partners. Pap smears are not recommended in patients under 21 years of age.  Pap smears are recommended every three years between the ages of 21 and 30.  Of course, Pap smears would have to be done more frequently if there are abnormalities. It is important to come in yearly for physical exams, including a breast exam, mainly focusing on preventive care and treatment of
existing conditions.

Annual Exams with Dr. Quist

Our board-certified Gynecologist has adapted these recommendations as most insurance companies are following these guidelines as well. Another new recommendation is to omit the rectal exam on all patients of any age who don’t have any symptoms. This is because studies have not shown any benefit to the patient by performing rectal exams. Just like pelvic exams there are potential harms such as anxiety, over treatment and procedural harms. We also know some patients do not come in for physicals because they do not want the rectal exam. We give patients a choice of whether or not they want a rectal exam. New guidelines as of 2018 do recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 now. These changes are fairly significant and we would like to give you a choice as to what you would prefer. We would be glad to discuss the new recommendations with you.