A well woman exam is an essential part of staying healthy, but many people are not even aware of what it is or how it works. This guide will help you answer the question “What is a well woman exam?” and learn how often you need to be getting one.
What Is a Well Woman Exam?
This type of exam is called a “well woman” because it is an exam that focuses on general female health. It is very similar to your annual checkup with a general practitioner. However, in addition to basic health care, your doctor will also discuss more female-specific health care topics. This kind of visit usually includes a question and answer session with your doctor alongside a physical exam. Some routine tests may be performed during a well woman exam in Hialeah as well.
Making the time for a well woman visit allows you to take control of your reproductive health. You have the opportunity to discuss potential concerns with your doctor and get advice for staying healthy. Many conditions, like abnormal cervical cells, are first diagnosed during a well-woman exam, and catching them early makes them a lot easier to treat. Having a regular overview of your reproductive health makes sure that you can stay as healthy as possible.
What Happens During a Well Woman Exam?
A well woman visit is broken up into four basic parts. The first part is simply your doctor learning about your overall health. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire, or the doctor might ask you questions directly. They will collect a medical history for you so that they can get a better idea of what your health needs may be. Some topics that are typically covered include:
- Family health history
- Medical history
- Mental health history
- Medications, vitamins, or supplements you take
- Sexual activities
- Number of sexual partners
- Familial and romantic relationships
- History of drug or alcohol use
- Plans for reproduction
- Preferences for birth control
It’s understandable that some women may feel a little awkward discussing these sensitive subjects with their doctor, but remember that your doctor’s focus is on keeping you healthy. Being open and honest can help you get the care you deserve.
Next, you will usually have a physical exam. Your doctor will palpate your breast tissue to check for any lumps or thickened skin. Then, they will move on to a pelvic exam. Your gynecologist will typically ask you to lie back with your knees spread. They will visually examine your external genitals for any redness, swelling, cysts, or other abnormal symptoms. After the external examination, your doctor will use a device called a speculum to help them look inside the vagina. This part of the well-woman exam allows the doctor to check your cervix for any signs of cancer, infection, or other issues.
The final portion of your exam will consist of various tests and procedures that your doctor may need to do. They might recommend a Pap smear, which involves collecting a few cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities. Another common test is a urine sample test that lets your doctor check for a number of infections, pregnancy, and other conditions. In addition to screening tests, you may be checked for certain STDs. These sorts of tests might not be necessary during every visit, but they can help keep an eye out for various health issues.
Once your doctor has a general picture of your health, they will talk with you about health goals. This can include both goals you might have, such as waiting five years before getting pregnant, or goals your doctor suggests, such as losing weight. Your doctor will explain things you can do to improve your health and help you identify steps for meeting any goals. If you need to get other screenings or see a specialist soon, your doctor can refer you to a professional who can help. You may also use this portion of your exam to discuss prescriptions for birth control or other medications aimed at improving your health.
Do You Need a Pelvic Exam During Your Well-Woman Exam?
A lot of people confuse a well woman visit with a pelvic exam. It is true that pelvic exams often occur during a well woman exam in Hialeah, but the two exams are not identical. A well woman visit will usually also include a discussion with your doctor, a breast exam, and potentially a urine test or other screening tests. A pelvic exam is an essential part of most well woman visits. Without the physical exam, your doctor could struggle to get any information on the health of your uterus, ovaries, and general reproductive system.
However, if you are menopausal or have no risk factors for various conditions, your doctor may not need to do a pelvic exam on every visit. Some women might only need this exam every three years. You can always bring this up with your doctor if you would prefer to reduce the frequency of pelvic exams.
Though a pelvic exam is recommended for providing the most thorough insight into your health, a good doctor will not try to pressure you into one. You should never let concerns about pelvic exams stop you from scheduling a well woman visit. It can still be very effective even if you decline the pelvic portion of the exam.
When Do You Need a Well-Woman Exam?
The age at which you first need an exam will depend on your personal health and sexual activity. Doctors typically recommend that you schedule an exam when you become sexually active. If you are experiencing any menstrual problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain, it is also a good idea to schedule a well woman visit regardless of your age. Women who are generally healthy and not sexually active should still schedule a visit by the time they turn 21.
After you turn 21, you usually need to have an exam once a year. Scheduling an annual gynecologist exam will help you discuss any concerns and give you peace of mind. Even if you feel fine and are not sexually active, an annual gynecologist exam gives your doctor the chance to notice and address any potential health conditions. In addition to your annual exam, you may want to schedule a visit if you notice changes to your menstrual cycle, unusual pain, irregular bleeding, or any vaginal discomfort.
Ultimately, a well woman visit is a great tool for staying healthy. In addition to managing your reproductive health, it is also an excellent time to discuss general mental and physical health concerns with an experienced physician.
Interested in learning more about well woman visits? Carreras Medical Center is here to help with all sorts of medical needs. In addition to our women’s health services, we also provide general care, chronic illness management, and aesthetic procedures. To find out more about our many services, give us a call or schedule an appointment today.
