You’ve probably heard about a woman’s annual exam. But when should you see a medical professional aside from that? If you’re having some unusual symptoms, it’s our hope here at ThriVe that you experience excellent health and confidence. You deserve it. But is it really necessary to get checked out before your annual physical exam? What if you haven’t been sexually active for a while — do you still need an STI checkup? What if you don’t have any symptoms at all, but you found our your partner tested positive for an STI
Annual exams are really important for preventive care. Your primary care provider might check your vital signs, blood pressure, do a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and may ask for updates on your family history. These yearly visits can help identify risk factors for a health condition like heart disease. So yeah. These yearly physical exams are worth making time for.
But what if you have health concerns, and it’s still months until your physical?
I get it — life gets busy, and sometimes it feels easier to wait for your annual exam. But there are some situations where it’s super important to make an appointment ASAP rather than waiting for your annual physical exam. Here are five times you should never wait to get your exam:
1. Missed Period and Suspected Pregnancy: Have you missed a period? Think you might be pregnant? Don’t wait to find out. Missing a period can be stressful, but the sooner you know, the better you can plan your next steps. Waiting for your annual exam wouldn’t really help you find out if you’re pregnant now — you need to know now! ThriVe offers no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy tests, so you can get accurate results without any extra stress. You deserve to get answers ASAP.
Whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, An appointment at ThriVe is super helpful. You need to get checked out to make sure of the options available to you. If something isn’t right (like if the pregnancy isn’t in your uterus), we’ll be able to catch it during an ultrasound . Your health is worth protecting. Make your appointment soon if you think you could be pregnant.
2. STI Symptoms: Have you noticed anything unusual around your vagina, like discharge, swollen lymph nodes, or sores? If you’ve been sexually active, these could be signs of an STI.1 Symptoms like these shouldn’t be ignored. Why? They can lead to more serious health problems if you ignore them. If you’ve ever been sexually active, and you have no symptoms, it’s still a good idea to get screened. Many STIs present with no symptoms, even for years.1 Depending on the symptoms, your provider may recommend a swab, urinalysis, or blood test.2
ThriVe offers no-cost STI screenings, which means you can get tested and treated right away. It’s always better to be safe and get things checked out, plus, early treatment can prevent complications and the spread of infections to others. Plus our screenings are always no-cost! There’s no judgment at our women’s center. It’s easy to make an appointment.
3. Abnormal Bleeding or Severe Pain: Are you experiencing abnormal bleeding? Heavy menstrual bleeding? What about severe pain in your pelvis or abdomen? These could be signs of conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or even something more serious.3 Pain and abnormal bleeding may be your body’s way of saying that something might be wrong. It would be unwise to ignore it and wait for your annual exam. Talking to your doctor can help diagnose and treat the issue early, which can make a huge difference in your overall health and comfort.
You deserve confidence in your health. Your future is worth the time it’ll take to see your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention when you experience heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop.
4. Unexpected Breast Changes: Have you noticed any lumps, changes in size, or discharge from your breasts?4 These changes can be concerning, I know. It might indicate issues like infections, cysts, or even breast cancer.5 Early detection of any changes in your breasts is crucial for effective treatment.4 See your primary care doctor about these changes. It can provide peace of mind and (if needed) early intervention.
5. Urinary Issues: If you’re dealing with painful or frequent urination, it’s definitely time to see a doctor. These symptoms can mean urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinary issues can quickly escalate into more serious infections or kidney problems if left untreated.6 So addressing them early is huge.
While an annual exam is super important for overall health, situations like these need prompt attention. For abnormal bleeding, breast changes, and UTI issues, don’t wait to contact your health provider.
If you think you might be pregnant or need an STI screening, ThriVe offers quick and specialized care! Some of our services include pregnancy tests, STI screenings, ultrasounds, and info about pregnancy options. Our women’s advocates are available to support you, too.
So, if any of these are happening to you, don’t wait for your annual exam — reach out for the support and care you need right away. You’re worth it, ladies!
Tracking Your Symptoms:
To make your doctor’s appointment as effective as possible, it helps to track your symptoms. If you only notice your symptoms here and there, it can be hard to know what to tell your doctor. But when you pay attention more intentionally, you’ll feel more equipped to talk to them. It’s worth keeping track of this stuff for your annual exam too! Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
1. Write Down Symptoms: Note any symptoms you’re experiencing. Mention their frequency, duration, and severity. Be specific—details matter!
2. Track Your Cycle: If your symptoms are related to your menstrual cycle, track your period dates, flow, and any associated symptoms like cramps or mood changes. Note how many pads or menstrual products you go through in a day. That’ll help measure your flow.
3. Note Changes: Record any changes in your body, like new or worsening symptoms. This can include things like changes in discharge, pain levels, or any new lumps or bumps.
4. Record Medications: Keep a list of any medications or supplements you’re taking, including doses and when you started them.
5. Lifestyle Factors: Note any lifestyle changes that might be relevant. That could be changes in your diet, exercise, stress levels, or sexual activity.
6. Daily Log: Consider keeping a daily log of how you’re feeling overall, including energy levels, mood, and any other relevant factors. You don’t have to hit everyday. It’s just to help you feel confident in describing your symptoms.
Finding a Quality Doctor
Still on the search for a good women’s provider? Whether you’re looking for an OBGYN for annual exams or women’s center to help with unplanned pregnancy or STD screening, it’s important to find a quality one. You don’t have to go into it blind. Here are some tips to discover the best providers in your area:
1. Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or your primary care doctor for recommendations on good OBGYNs.
2. Check Credentials: Look up potential doctors to check their credentials, board certifications, and any patient reviews. You can find reviews on Google.
3. Consider Specializations: If you have specific concerns (like pregnancy, STIs, or menstrual issues), find a doctor who specializes in those areas. ThriVe is a women’s center that specializes in pregnancy, pre-abortion screening, and STD screenings. We’re all about women’s health. In fact, our whole team of nurses and advocates is women!
4. Visit Their Website: Many clinics have websites where you can learn more about the doctors, their approach to care, and patient testimonials.
5. Schedule a Consultation: If you’re unsure, you can schedule a consultation to meet the doctor and see if they’re a good fit for you. It’s important to feel comfortable and trust your health care provider.
Do any of these sound like what you’re experiencing? Make an appointment today. You’re the best qualified to find the right provider for you! Have questions about our services? We’re just a phone call or message away.
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