Well Woman Exam

Why do I need an annual well-woman exam?

Even if you feel healthy and don’t have any symptoms that need medical diagnosis and attention, an annual well-woman exam is still critical to your health and well-being. A well-woman exam is an opportunity to take time out for yourself, check in on your health, and have tests to screen for signs of diseases that may not cause symptoms in their early stages.

Conditions like high blood pressure, cervical cancer, diabetes, and STDs don’t cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Routine health screenings are the only way to diagnose these conditions early so you can make lifestyle modifications and get the treatment you need to improve and protect your health.

For example, high blood pressure is an early warning sign and cause of heart disease — the number one cause of death in American women. However, when high blood pressure is diagnosed early, you can change your diet and exercise habits to lower your blood pressure, improve your health, and reduce your risk of serious illness.

What should I expect during a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam begins like any other annual physical. Your doctor first checks your height, weight, and blood pressure. They review your medical history and will ask if you’ve noticed any changes to your health or other symptoms that concern you.

Your doctor performs a physical exam that includes:

• Looking into your eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Listening to your heart and lungs
• Feeling your abdomen
• Checking your reflexes

Then, your doctor gets into the women’s health part of the exam. They’ll perform a breast exam and a pelvic exam. If necessary, they’ll perform a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells on your cervix.

In addition to your physical exam and health screenings, your well-woman appointment is an opportunity to talk to your doctor about your wellness and get advice on how to improve and protect your health.

How often do I need a Pap smear?

Your doctor provides advice on how often you need to have a Pap smear, depending on your risk of cervical abnormalities and other women’s health conditions. In general, if you have low to average risk, you should have a Pap smear every three years between the ages of 21-29. You should have the test every five years if you’re between the ages of 29-64. After the age of 64, your doctor will let you know if a Pap smear is necessary.

If you’re due for a well-woman exam, don’t delay your health. Call or book an appointment online today.