Do you get a yearly (or less often) physical exam?

[Anonymous]

I don't think I've ever gone to the doctor for a physical, aside from the workups I've gotten when pregnant and my annual pap smear from my gyn. Done with kids, turning 40, and wondering if I need to get a "physical". Is it needed, is it useful? How often do you get one?

[Anonymous]

I get a physical from my internist once a year -- separate and apart from the pap smear at the OB. I had a rough year right after DS was born, and was sick pretty much non-stop for twelve months. I got tired of going to urgent care over and over, and wanted to have a lasting relationship with a single physician. So when I get sick now -- last year I had pneumonia -- I can go to someone who knows me and understands my medical history. Plus, when I see her for my physical, she makes sure I'm on top of all the other things -- mammograms, dermatologist/mole checks, etc. -- and runs bloodwork so I'm on top of my cholesterol numbers and the like. I wouldn't necessarily say that a physical is necessary every year, but I find it very comforting and useful.

[Anonymous]

40 is a good age to get a full physical. It sets a baseline for EKG, EEG, cholesterol, BP -- all the things that start to go to hell as you age.

I get one about every 3 years -- I'm 48.

[Anonymous]

I am 49 and get a physical and mammo religiously every year, pap smear every 2-3 whatever doctors recommend after normal pap. I don't agree with PP who gets a physical every 3 years. Just me though.

[Anonymous]

I get a physical every year and a pap every three years. Both are from my internist. I haven't seen my OB since 6 weeks after having my last kid.

[Anonymous]

I'm 34. I get a full physical every year with bloodwork and EKG. I also visit the GYN every year, and I get a full mole check by a dermatologist.

I'm the type that would rather prevent a problem than try to solve one.