Skip To Content

Annual Visit

Annual Gynecological Exam in Henderson, NV with Dr. Douglas Tanita

While the thought of an annual gynecological exam may cause anxiety in some women, it is typically a quick, simple procedure that is important to sustaining your overall health. However, there is nothing to worry or be embarrassed about when it comes to ensuring your health. While the physical portion of the exam only takes about ten minutes, the annual exam also provides you with the opportunity to ask your provider questions about your reproductive and sexual health.

At Henderson Women’s Care, we recognize the unique challenges women face. We specialize in diverse areas of women’s health, including treatment of problems and diseases of the female reproductive system. Dr. Douglas Tanita and his team have been managing the treatment of pre-cancers, hormonal balance, urinary tract issues, pelvic disorders, minimally invasive surgical procedures, and sexual health issues for over fifteen years. You can feel confident you are receiving the highest quality care at our practice.

Contact Dr. Douglas Tanita with Henderson Women’s Care at (702) 847-6252 or complete our online form to schedule your annual gynecological visit today. We are dedicated to serving patients in the Henderson and Las Vegas, NV areas.

What Does an Annual Gynecological Visit Entail?

An annual gynecological visit is simply a routine checkup that ensures women are healthy inside and out. During an annual exam, your provider can help detect reproductive and sexual health issues and prevent issues from developing. Taking responsibility for your health is an empowering thing you can do for yourself, developing the foundation of health and overall wellness throughout your life.

Typically, women should start receiving annual exams when they become sexually active or between the ages of 18 to 21. However, you should schedule an exam sooner if you are experiencing any gynecological symptoms such as: 

  • Irregularities in menstrual cycle
  • Vaginal or pelvic pain
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Changes in breasts

During your annual exam, your provider will examine you for lumps, bumps, or lesions that shouldn’t be there and may also examine you for: 

  • Breast exam
  • Cervical cancer (Pap test)
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
  • Endometrial or ovarian cancer
  • Fibroids

WE WANT YOU TO LOOK AND FEEL AMAZING!

At Henderson Women’s Care, we offer the highest quality of care for our patients. Our warm, supportive, and caring environment yields a positive experience. Our warm, supportive, and caring environment yields a positive experience. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our aesthetic, OBGYN and hormone therapy services. 

Choosing Henderson Women’s Care as Your Annual Visit Provider

At Henderson Women’s Care, we believe you deserve individualized care and attention at every visit. To deliver extraordinary treatment, we have recruited talented experts and use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide unique, customized experiences to each patient to help them achieve their health goals to ensure their complete wellness. 

With his distinct medical expertise, Dr. Douglas Tanita develops every treatment plan to suit the needs of each patient. By choosing Dr. Tanita and his team as your annual exam provider in Las Vegas, you gain a partner for your entire wellness journey.

What Can I Expect During an Annual Visit?

At Henderson Women’s Care, Dr. Tanita performs each annual examination procedure to ensure the health and address the individual needs of each patient. However, here are some general steps you can expect.

Before your annual examination, there are no preparations you need to make; however, you should shower as normal, and you should not use douches or vaginal creams. 

Be prepared to share information about your health history with your provider.

After our team greets you for check-in, Dr. Tanita will ensure you are comfortable, answer any last questions, and perform the annual examination.

No matter your age, your annual gynecological exam may include the following aspects. During all stages of the examination, be sure to let your provider know if you are uncomfortable. 

  • Current health status assessment 
  • A brief breast exam, during which your provider will manually examine your breasts for abnormalities, including lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge.
  • A pelvic examination to check for abnormalities of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, rectum, pelvis, and ovaries. During the exam, you will lie on an examination table with your legs in stirrups. Breathe deeply and try to relax. Your provider will perform an external examination of the genitals to look for abnormalities or indications of STDs.
  • Your provider will then insert a speculum into the vagina to examine the cervix for signs of irritation or indications of STDs. While this is not painful, it may feel uncomfortable. 
  • Your provider may perform a Pap test, an important test that checks for precancerous or cancerous cells of the cervix. Your provider may take a sample of cervical cells, and you may feel a pinching sensation. This test is necessary even if you have not experienced any symptoms. Results typically take a few weeks.
  • Your provider will then perform a manual exam to check the ovaries and uterus. Feeling pressure and light discomfort is possible. 
  • Annual well-woman gynecological examinations may also include vaccines, depending on age and risks, including the flu shot, Tdap, or human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Depending on your age, your provider may recommend a mammogram.
  • Urine samples may be required to check for kidney health, various infections, or pregnancy.
  • For sexually active women, annual testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV may be recommended.  

When Should I Schedule My Annual Visit?

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends:

A woman’s first gynecologic visit should be between ages 13 and 15 

Annual breast and pelvic exams should begin approximately at age 19

Pap tests should start at age 21 and go through age 66

Schedule Your Annual Gynecological Exam Today

An annual exam helps ensure your overall health and wellbeing. Partner with one of Las Vegas’ best gynecology providers by calling (702) 847-6252 or complete our online form to schedule your annual examination with Henderson Women’s Care today.

Las Vegas, NV Annual GYN Visit - FAQs

The cost of an annual gynecological visit in Henderson, NV is determined by your personal insurance and your individual needs. During your appointment with Dr. Tanita, you’ll receive a breakdown of your annual visit cost.

During your annual visit, we will be happy to answer any questions you have about birth control and discuss the options that will best suit your needs and lifestyle. 

Typically, a woman should see a gynecologist annually.  As women’s health needs vary, so does the age where women can stop seeing a gynecologist annually. Talk to your provider to determine the best schedule for your exams.

You can have your annual exam while you are menstruating. However, if your period is very heavy, you should postpone. Ideally, your exam and Pap test should be performed when you are not on your period. For your comfort, you should schedule your appointment when you will not be on your period.

Typically, gynecologists use a small brush or spatula to collect cervical cells for the Pap test. You may feel a slight pinch or a light scratch. You may also experience some light bleeding afterwards. Overall, gynecological exams should not be painful; however, they may be uncomfortable.

We'd love to hear from you!

=