Annual Exam

Ensuring good gynecologic health throughout your life is our specialty. 

An annual (yearly) visit is a key part of preventative care. An annual visit usually includes a pelvic exam (with pap test), breast exam and other screening lab tests as necessary. You will be asked questions to help your provider identify health problems and risks to your health. You and your provider work as a team to keep you healthy. Preventing illness is better than waiting to treat it.

Adolescent years:  the American College of OB-GYN recommends that routine cervical cancer screening (pap smear) begins at age 21. However, teenage girls can establish care with a gynecologist before age 21 for other medical issues such as menstrual concerns, initiation of birth control, STD concerns, etc.  A pelvic exam is usually not necessary, depending upon symptoms or risks.  This is a time of many physical and emotional changes.  A teenage girl may be challenged by situations and decisions that she wishes to keep confidential from a parent. By establishing a rapport with a health care provider early, a teenage girl will have easy and comfortable access to our services as her need arises.

Reproductive years:  an annual exam is an integral part of preventive healthcare. From contraception to hormone changes to cancer detection and prevention, EvergreenHealth OBGYN Tan is dedicated to your health and balance.

Menopausal years:  as you approach your menopausal years, the depletion of female hormones and organ changes can cause physical and emotional symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and depression.  Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life.  The onset of menopause is often the time to think about preventing osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer; we can help you with prevention, detection and treatment.

Throughout your life:  we believe that health maintenance and preventive care is an important part of your overall health. We promote regular exercise, breast self-exam, mammogram referral and HPV vaccine.

Quick Reference Guide to Annual Exams 

Ages 13-21

• Annual Exam - pap test dependent on patient history
• HPV Vaccination - a series of three injections - (2nd injection is given two months after the first, 3rd injection given four months after the second)

Ages 21-30

• Annual Exam with pap test (yearly)
• HPV Vaccination - a series of three injections - (2nd injection is given two months after the first, 3rd injection given four months after the second)

Age 30 +

• Annual Exam with pap test (yearly or every three years dependent on patient history)
• Annual Blood Work - Every three years (if normal). Blood work is including, but not limited to, cholesterol testing, glucose levels, thyroid function, liver function, iron levels.

Age 40 +

• Everything for Age 30+
• Mammography referral - yearly (if normal)

Age 45 +

• Everything for Age 30+
• Mammography referral - yearly (if normal)
• Fecal occult blood testing - Yearly starting around age 45 to 50

Age 50 +

• Everything for Age 30+
• Mammography referral - yearly (if normal)
• Fecal occult blood testing - yearly starting around age 45 to 50
• Colonoscopy - Every 10 years (if normal)
• DXA Scan for Bone Density