Annual pelvic exams are necessary to stay on top of your overall health. They ensure that proper screens are performed and that issues are caught and treated early. The visit gives you an opportunity to build a personal relationship and to share what is happening in your medical and emotional life. Dr. Tobie Beckerman prides herself on these relationships – labeling herself as a primary care gyno psychiatrist, she will get to know you and your needs in a personalized appointment at Beckerman Women’s Health, serving women in Washington, DC Potomac, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg and surrounding cities in Montgomery County, MD. Call our office today to learn more.
Annual Gynecological Exam Q & A
What is an annual exam?
Routine gynecological exams are an important component of maintaining your overall health. During the comprehensive exam, you’ll have face-to-face time with Dr. Beckerman where you can discuss any questions or health concerns you have. She will also perform a full physical exam from head to toe, and a pelvic exam along with a pap smear, possibly screening for HPV or other sexually transmitted infections, or other screening exams where necessary based on each individual’s personal history.
Are gynecological exams different according to my age?
Yes! Dr. Beckerman tailors her annual gynecological exams to address the unique concerns that come with the different stages in your life.
For teens, the purpose is not to get a pelvic exam, unless they’re sexually active, but to create a trusting bond between the patient and their gynecologist. Teens get so much of their information from the internet or friends that it can be uncomfortable and scary to find a space where they can discuss their health and find real answers. Dr. Beckerman embraces the opportunity to create a trusting bond with her young patients to guide and educate them in the following:
- Education regarding menstrual issues
- STD discussion and prevention
- New Gardisil 9 Vaccine
- Contraceptive Management (Skyla, Kyleena, Mirena, and Paragard)
For women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, Dr. Beckerman concentrates on the following areas:
- Education and health maintenance
- HPV testing and Gardasil vaccine
- Menstrual issues
- Contraception
- Family history evaluation and genetic screening, if necessary
- Fertility issues
- Fibroids and abnormal bleeding
- Nutrition and exercise
- Pregnancy over 35
- Perimenopause management
For women who are in their post-reproductive years, gynecological needs change and Dr. Beckerman wants to ensure that you’re as happy and healthy as possible during this time. To this end, if you’re in your 50s, you can expect Dr. Beckerman to focus on the following:
- Menopause management
- Hormone replacement therapy, both traditional and a bioidentical approach
- Non-hormonal treatment of menopause
- MonaLisa Touch laser
- Libido issues
- Bone health, primarily osteoporosis prevention, and treatment
- Cancer screening
What should I discuss with my gynecologist?
If you have any questions at all about your gynecological health, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Beckerman. She’s more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have. All topics important to you will be a source of focus – amongst the most common being:
- Birth control
- Family planning
- Pap Smear results and their significance
- Pain during or after sex
- Pelvic pain in general
- Unusual menstruation symptoms
- Unusual vaginal discharge or infections
- Hormone Changes
To make an appointment, call Beckerman Women’s Health today.