Annual Exams
Annual Wellness Exams for All Genders
Not sure what to expect during your annual wellness exam? You’re not alone! Here are some guidelines for your annual that are based on your age and gender. Check out this blog post for more info on what to expect during your Bridgercare visit!
Annual Exams for Women
For ages twenty and under, your provider may listen to your heart and lungs and feel your thyroid. Your birth control method can be reviewed, as well as routine STI screening. You can discuss healthy lifestyle choices with your provider and ask questions about your health.
It is recommended that pap smear begins at age 21. Pap smears are a method for cervical cancer screening that tests for potentially pre-cancerous cells on the cervix. A pap smear requires a brief pelvic exam, and a sample of surface cells will be taken by your provider lightly brushing the cervix. A pap test may or may not be performed at your annual visit, according to your history and current guidelines. If you are due for a pap test, or would like one, please schedule your visit for a date you will not be on your period. For test accuracy, avoid anything in the vagina for 48 hours before a pap test (this includes tampons, douching, and sex.)
A breast exam may be performed and a self-breast exam can be taught. Your provider may listen to your heart and lungs, and feel your thyroid. STI screening is routine during annuals, as is discussing and renewing prescriptions. You can discuss healthy lifestyle choices with your provider and ask questions about your health.
Annual Exams for Men
During an annual exam for men, your provider may listen to your heart and lungs, and feel your thyroid. A testicular exam can be included, and a self-testicular exam can be taught. STI screening is routine during a wellness exam, as well as renewal of certain prescriptions. You can discuss healthy lifestyle choices with your provider and ask questions about your health.
Annual Wellness Exams for Gender Non-conforming/Transgender Individuals
Bridgercare is a welcoming space for transgender or gender non-conforming individuals, and your pronouns and name will be used as you direct. Bridgercare provider Sue Dolan, PA-C, has several years of experience prescribing and managing hormone therapy for patients age 18+. She is accepting new patients. During an annual wellness exam, you can discuss healthy lifestyle choices, options concerning hormone therapy, and any questions concerning your health. STI screening is routine with annual wellness exams, as is discussion and renewal of prescriptions. Your physical exam will be tailored to your anatomy. Your provider may listen to your heart and lungs and your thyroid and may recommend testing and screening for the body parts that you have. If undergoing hormone therapy, your provider may recommend blood tests to assess hormone levels and your body’s reaction to the medication. Please call the front desk at (406) 587-0681 to schedule your appointment.