Women's Health Specialist

What are women’s health exams?

Women have specific health needs because of their anatomy, and they require specialized attention and care. You need an annual health exam to monitor the overall health and functionality of your reproductive system.

At Four Peaks Internal Medicine, your yearly appointment involves a review of your medical history, and the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any new symptoms you’ve noticed, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), or any other concerns. 

Before your physical exam begins, a female from the team stays in the room with you while your doctor examines you. Your appointment includes a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, and a clinical breast exam to identify any indicators of disorder or disease, like cervical or breast cancer. 

What are women’s health exams like?

To begin your physical exam, you take off your clothing but stay covered with special sheets provided by the practice, so you stay modestly covered. Once you’re covered, your doctor enters the room with his female assistant and has you lie down on a table that has a place for you to put your feet in. 

During your pelvic exam, Dr. Khan checks your cervix, uterus, and vagina to evaluate structure and functionality. In addition to your pelvic exam, Dr. Khan performs a Pap test, which involves collecting cells from the entrance of your cervix with a cotton swab. The sample of cells are sent to a lab to screen for any signs of cervical cancer or changes in your cervical cells.

Dr. Khan also examines your breasts, checking for any lumps in your tissues. If you’re over 40 years old, he may refer you to get a mammogram.

The entire exam takes less than 15 minutes.

How do you prepare for women’s health exams?

Before you come in, plan to bring in any supplements and prescriptions you might be taking. You should also write down any questions you might have ahead of time. Don’t forget a pen and paper in case you need to take notes during your consultation with Dr. Khan.

If you have your period at the time of your visit, consider rescheduling. You should also avoid douching, having sexual activity, or using tampons at least 24 hours before your appointment. These factors can affect the results of your Pap test. 

To schedule your women’s health exam at Four Peaks Internal Medicine, call the office today, or use the online booking tool for your convenience.