Annual Exam Specialist

Your annual exam is the best place to start when it comes to wellness and disease prevention. Regular physical examinations find health issues before they turn into serious problems. At OB/GYN Associates of Conroe, Richard Roberts, MD, performs comprehensive annual exams, screening for and treating health issues as needed. To schedule your annual exam with a highly skilled and experienced obstetrician and gynecologist, call the office in Conroe, Texas, or book an appointment online today.

Why do I need an annual exam?

You need an annual exam because it’s the best way to stay on top of your health and wellness. An annual exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your whole health. During this exam, Dr. Roberts assesses your current health status and risk of health problems in the future.

In addition to the annual exam, Dr. Roberts at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe also performs school and employment physical exams, which he can do at the same time as your annual exam.

What happens during an annual exam?

The specifics of your annual exam at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe depend on your age and health needs. After taking your weight, height, and vitals, you talk with Dr. Roberts about your health concerns.

He then does a physical, pelvic, and breast exam. During your pelvic exam, Dr. Roberts may perform a Pap smear or testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). 

Pap smear

A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. During this test, Dr. Roberts collects cervical cells, which he sends out for testing. You should start Pap smears at age 21 and repeat the screening every three years. 

HPV testing

HPV testing checks for an HPV infection. HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Though there are many strains of HPV, certain strains increase risk of cervical cancer. If you test positive for HPV, Dr. Roberts recommends more frequent Pap smears to monitor for cervical cancer.

Dr. Roberts also does STD testing during an annual exam. Though STDs affect all sexually active individuals, undiagnosed and untreated STDs in women may lead to infertility or gynecologic cancer.

After your exam and testing, Dr. Roberts spends time talking to you about your health, making recommendations that support your health and well-being. He may also talk to you about family planning and birth control.

What types of procedures would I need after an annual exam?

If your Pap smear results are abnormal, Dr. Roberts has you come back to the office for additional testing. Some of the procedures you may need after your annual exam include:

Colposcopy

During a colposcopy, Dr. Roberts uses a special magnifying device — a colposcope — that allows him to closely examine your cervix and look for signs of abnormal tissue. He biopsies any abnormal tissue. 

Cryosurgery or loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP)

If your biopsy results indicate moderate to severe changes to the cells in your cervix, Dr. Roberts may perform cryosurgery or LEEP to remove the abnormal tissue.

To schedule your annual exam at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe, call the office or book an appointment online today.