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• Diagnosis of Gynecologic Disorders
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Preventive health care includes having regular gynecologic examinations, even when no symptoms are present, and screening tests. Screening tests are done before people have any symptoms to check for disorders that can be prevented or treated effectively if recognized early (see Prevention: Selected Screening Schedule for Adults*,†). Women should have a gynecologic evaluation every year starting at about age 13 to 15. For all women who are sexually active, the evaluation should include a pelvic examination. For younger women who are not sexually active, this evaluation may not include a pelvic examination. Beginning about 3 years after first vaginal intercourse or at age 21, the pelvic examination should include cervical cytology testing (such as a Papanicolaou or Pap test) to detect precancerous changes of the cervix.

For gynecologic care, a woman should choose a health care practitioner with whom she can comfortably discuss sensitive topics, such as sex, birth control, pregnancy, and problems related to menopause. The practitioner may be a gynecologist, an internist, a nurse-midwife, or a general, family, or nurse practitioner.

Gynecologic evaluation of young and teenage girls can sometimes be done by their pediatrician. However, if the pediatrician cannot set aside time for the girl to speak privately about personal concerns or is reluctant to provide gynecologic care, another health care practitioner should be found for this care.

The gynecologic visit is the time to ask the practitioner questions about reproductive and sexual function and anatomy, including safe sex practices, such as the use of condoms to minimize the risks of sexually transmitted infections.

Last full review/revision March 2007 by Paula J. Adams Hillard, MD