Preparing for Your Visit

Routine exams by a gynecologist are a critical part of your medical care and general well-being. Annual check-ups are the key to identifying medical and gynecological problems early when they can be addressed and treated much easier. Checkups should not be delayed, postponed, or skipped except in the case of a true emergency.

This section of our website is designed to provide information to help alleviate stress and guesswork surrounding these appointments, so you can be well prepared for your next visit to our office.

To assist you in preparing for your visit, several forms are available in our Documents and Forms Download Center, including a checklist for your next routine exam. Please download the appropriate forms, print them, complete them fully and bring them with you. Dr. Thaxton and the staff will review this important information with you.

At your first visit and subsequent annual visits, we will measure your height, weight, obtain your vital signs, calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), and test your urine if indicated. You will receive a complete head-to-toe physical examination, breast exam, pelvic examination and Pap smear, as well as any additional specific tests which are indicated.

After the exam, Dr. Thaxton will take time with you to discuss his findings and recommendations and give you an opportunity to ask questions.

Prior to arriving for your appointment, make a list of your symptoms and questions. Review your list with Dr. Thaxton at the beginning of the appointment rather than after the exam so that he can pay attention to your personal issues during the examination. 

Douching is generally discouraged except for specific indications when it may be prescribed. Washing away cells from the vagina or vulva may eliminate important clues that are helpful in making a diagnosis of symptoms you may be experiencing.

It is also a good idea to keep details about your periods including the date of your last period and the exact number of days from the end of one period to the beginning of the next. For your convenience, you can click here to download a menstrual calendar.

If you don’t have any illnesses or conditions affecting the reproductive tract, you should not feel any pain during your exam, though if you tend to feel especially tense during pelvic exams, you may experience some mild discomfort. If you experience any pain or discomfort while you are being examined, tell Dr. Thaxton – more likely than not, there’s a simple solution, and it’s important information for him to know.

One of the best ways to reduce stress about your visit to our office is to be an informed and active participant in your own health care. Know what to expect, and be prepared with any information Dr. Thaxton might need. Ask questions if you do not understand something or would like to know more because Dr. Thaxton believes in partnering with his patients to achieve their absolute best health and wellness.