Going to your first gynecology appointment and nervous? Here are things you may want to know before you go. 1. During an annual visit, we discuss lots of things including your period, birth control, intercourse, yearly screenings, STD prevention and screening and depending on your age, we typically perform a breast and pelvic exam. 2. You may or may not need a pelvic exam. We start routine Pap smear screens at 21 years old, so if older than this, this will probably be the recommendation, but if

Let’s talk Pap smears… here’s what you really need to know: A Pap smear (or Pap test) is a simple screening that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. It’s quick, typically painless, and one of the most effective tools we have for early detection. Why it matters: Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. But with routine Pap smears, we can catch changes before they become dangerous — and treat them early. How often should you get one? •Start