Services
Physical Exams
Even if you don’t have any health concerns, an annual physical exam can help you prevent health problems and treat existing medical conditions you may not know about. A once a year check-up can save you money, time and most importantly, your life.
Women’s Exams
A woman’s wellness exam includes:
- Physical exam
- Breast exam, with basic breast management for problems
- Pap test, with HPV test if needed (women 21 and older)
- STD testing, with treatment as needed (no pain urine testing)
- Rapid HIV testing, results in minutes
- Screening for diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension (as needed)
What should I do to prepare for my exam?
To get the most out of your exam:
- Schedule your exam when you are not on your period.
- Write down any questions or concerns you may have about your health to discuss at the clinic
- Avoid sexual intercourse, douching or inserting anything into your vagina 48 hours before the exam
What should I expect at my appointment for my exam?
- Review of your completed health history
- Review of any current medications
- Discussion of any concerns you might have
- A physical exam
- A breast exam
- Test for sexually transmitted infections (if needed)
- Pelvic exam and Pap test (if needed)
What is a Pap test?
A Pap test is a simple screening for abnormal cells in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. The clinician brushes the cervix to get cell samples, which are sent to a lab for analysis. Results should be ready in about a week.
Regular Pap tests can help women prevent cervical cancer by finding problems early so they can get treatment. Women should get a Pap test beginning at age 21, and unless there are problems, every three years after that.
Why should I get an exam if I don’t need a Pap test?
Even if women don’t need a Pap test, a yearly check-up is recommended. An annual exam can help detect new diseases, STDs, or vaginal infections that need treatment. Some infections don’t show symptoms but if left untreated, can cause damage and even infertility. An annual exam can save you money, time and most importantly, your life.
What should I talk about with the clinician at my exam visit?
Will the pelvic exam hurt?
We do our best to make sure exams are pain free. A pelvic exam may be a bit uncomfortable, but you should not have sharp pain. The exam tools come in very small sizes, and the clinician will use lubricant and can insert only one finger into the vagina if necessary. You can not lose your virginity by having a pelvic exam.
What if I have my period when I’m scheduled for my exam?
How long does it take to get test results?
We will have test results for HIV, diabetes, and cholesterol, and pregnancy ready during your visit. Other test results, such as Pap tests and STIs, will be ready within one week. For results you did not get during your clinic visit, we will call you about any abnormal test results and could ask you to come back to the clinic for further tests or treatment. We will not contact you if your test results are normal.
Men’s Exam
A man’s wellness exam includes:
- Physical exam, with general wellness assessment
- Screening for diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension (as needed)
- Breast exam, with basic breast management for problems
- Testicular exam and instruction on self-exam
- STD testing, with treatment as needed (no pain urine testing)
- Rapid HIV testing, results in minutes
What should I do to prepare for my exam?
What should I expect at my appointment for my exam?
- Review of your completed health history
- Review of any current medications
- Discussion of any concerns you might have
- A physical exam
- A breast exam
- Test for sexually transmitted infections (if needed)
What is a testicular exam?
Testicular cancer is rare, but it is the most common cancer in men younger than age 35. The chance of cure is very high when this cancer is found early and treated right away.
What should I talk about with the clinician at my exam visit?
How long does it take to get test results?
Teen Services
At all clinics, teens may get;
- Physical exams (You can choose to opt out of the reproductive exam if you don’t have any problems.)
- Birth control methods (Some birth control methods like the pill, patch, and ring do not require a physical exam.)
- STI testing and treatment (including HIV testing)
- Screenings for diabetes, high cholesterol, and pregnancy
Confidentiality
Teens aged 17 and younger need written parental consent for birth control and physical exams at our clinics. Parental consent is NOT needed if the teen is married or has emancipation papers from a judge.
STD testing and treatment services and general information do not need a parent’s permission.
You may download and print our parental consent form to have your parent or guardian complete before coming to our clinics. Parental consent form: https://accessclinics.org/info/parental-consent/
What should I do to prepare for my exam?
What should I expect at my appointment for my exam?
When you arrive at our clinic, you will be asked to complete a medical history form about your general health. Then you will have your vital signs (weight, temperature, height, pulse, and blood pressure) checked. This allows us to monitor any major problems or unusual changes since your last visit. During your visit with your clinician, the following exams and issues will be addressed:
- Review of your completed health history
- Review of any current medications
- Discussion of any concerns you might have
- A physical exam (if needed)
- A breast exam (if needed)
- Test for sexually transmitted infections (if needed)
Women get Pap tests beginning at age 21, but female teens can get exams of the vulva (outside reproductive area) and vagina (inside reproductive area) , especially if they are having problems. Teens can also choose to opt out of reproductive physical exams. Let the clinic staff know what you want and need.
What is a testicular exam?
Testicular cancer is rare, but it is the most common cancer in men younger than age 35. The chance of cure is very high when this cancer is found early and treated right away.
What should I talk about with the clinician at my exam visit?
How long does it take to get test results?
We will have test results for HIV, diabetes, and cholesterol, and pregnancy ready during the patient’s visit. STI test results will be ready within one week, and we will call you if you tested positive for an STI and ask you to come back to the clinic for treatment or further testing. We will not contact you if your test results are normal.
At Access Esperanza Clinics, we offer opportunities and hope for people to plan their futures and stay healthy. You can count on us for quality, affordable, and confidential care at all of our health clinics.
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The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please call Access Esperanza Clinics at 956-688-3700 to set an appointment at any of our clinics.
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