What Is a Well-Woman Exam?
A well-woman examination is a yearly preventative health exam for women of all ages. The exam is meant to be preventative, aiming to help spot any potential medical issues early on. Making time for a well-woman check-up is a proactive step towards prioritizing your health and ensuring you stay on top of any potential medical issues.
What Makes a Well-Woman Exam Important? Areas that may be addressed
A well-woman exam carries significance because it can help with the following:
- Health Monitoring: Well-woman exams help monitor and assess your overall health, including vital signs, weight, and any changes in your body. They allow you to discuss any concerns or symptoms you might be experiencing.
- Gynecological Health: Well-woman exams focus on the health of your reproductive system, including breast health, cervical cancer screenings (such as pap smears), and discussing contraception options if needed.
- Risk Assessment: Through discussions about your health history, family medical history, and lifestyle factors, your doctor can identify potential risk factors and provide guidance to minimize those risks.
- Early Detection of Conditions: Discussion of cancer screenings, such as breast and colon etc.
What Happens in a Well-Woman Exam?
A well-woman exam is composed of a medical history and a physical examination.
History Portion
- Your doctor may ask about current medications, menstruation abnormalities, or the presence of any new symptoms. They might also inquire about any long-term medical conditions.
- Your doctor may ask about specific concerns such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or
- contraception for those interested in family planning.
- Your doctor will ensure you are up to date on your pap smears and age-appropriate screenings.
Physical Examination
The physical examination is tailored to each patient and their specific medical history. It may include one or more of the following elements:
- Measure your height, weight, and vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart
- rate).
- Pelvic examination
- Breast examination -to look for any lumps, skin changes, or nipple dimpling.
- Pap smear if required. A pap smear is a procedure used to test for cervical cancer in women. It is recommended that all women aged 21-65 get a pap smear once every three years.
It is important to note that depending on your case, different elements of the exam may or may not be required.
Who Does the Well-Woman Exam?
An OB-GYN or a nurse practitioner usually carries out the examination. They are there to answer all your questions and ensure you feel comfortable. If you want extra support, you can bring a friend or family member.
Preparing for the Well-Woman Exam
No special preparation is needed before the exam. Just note any questions you have and bring along a list of your current medications.
We do recommend that women not douche or use vaginal creams 24 hours before the exam.
If you have your period on the day of the exam, it is still okay for the healthcare provider to perform a pelvic exam. However, most doctors encourage you to schedule your exam for a day when you aren’t menstruating.
If you have any questions or concerns or require special accommodations, contact us; we’ll be happy to help.