Annual Exam still needed?

I have already had my ovaries and tubes removed (prophylactilly d/t being + for the BRCA2 mutation). I've also had bilateral mastectomies for the same reason. Now I have developed stress incontinence and will most likely have bladder suspension surgery and possibly a vaginal hysterectomy. My question is, if I do have the hysterectomy, do I still go to the ob/gyn for annual exams?

Thanks in advance

Every woman needs a yearly well woman exam regardless of whether she has had a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy. The vagina needs checked, possible the vaginal cuff, general overall health, etc.

Some ladies choose to see their GP for their yearly exam, others continue to see their GYN. Some doctors still prefer to do a pap (vaginal vault) smear depending on the reason for the hysterectomy.

Years after my hysterectomy, my GYN told me I could see my GP for mine as all was going well. Then an issue creeped up and I was back in his office! So for me, I have simply decided to keep a GYN as part of my medical team so if and when something occurs (my issue was some bleeding), I already am a patient and can get an appointment quickly.

thanks so much for the reply!! I was thinking it would be, and I would hate to give up my gyn--he's followed me through a ruptured ectopic pregnancy , infertility, in vitro fertilization, a twin pregnancy, and he was instrumental in getting my BRCA testing done, then did my surgery for that too!! I consider him my primary care doctor, so if I didn't go to him I doubt I would see anyone.

thanks again!

My Dr told me to get exams every year, too. GYN said I could go back to him, or to my Primary. I'll be going to Primary for everything, just because I don't want to do any more appointments than I have to.

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Every woman needs a yearly well woman exam regardless of whether she has had a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy

Only in the U.S. This may come as a complete shock but the rest of the world doesn't do yearly well woman exams. I live in Australia and we don't have them. A pap smear every two years but no pelvic exams because they are proven to be of no clinical value in asymptomatic women. They don't do them in the UK or Europe either. My guess is it's an insurance thing as your healthcare system is different to the rest of the world.

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Originally Posted by laylay Only in the U.S. This may come as a complete shock but the rest of the world doesn't do yearly well woman exams. I live in Australia and we don't have them. A pap smear every two years but no pelvic exams because they are proven to be of no clinical value in asymptomatic women. They don't do them in the UK or Europe either. My guess is it's an insurance thing as your healthcare system is different to the rest of the world.

Actually, it is wise for everyone to have a yearly (or every other year) well person exam. This is true of all women, men, and children in any country with any health care system. The purpose is to try prevent and/or catch health concerns sooner rather than later.