A well-woman exam is an important part of every woman’s preventive healthcare regimen. Rather than just seeking care when you have symptoms, these exams give you and your physicians a chance to check on your overall health, identify any problems early, and figure out which screenings you might need.
But what screenings are actually included in a well-woman exam? The answer depends on your age, health history, family history, symptoms, and sexual health. Those factors, plus previous screening results, can influence which screenings your physicians recommends.
What Happens During a Well-Woman Exam?
Your visit will most likely start with a conversation about your health. Your provider may ask about your menstrual cycle, medications, sexual and reproductive health, birth control, pregnancies, family medical history, and any new symptoms or concerns.
While these topics can feel personal or even embarrassing at times, remember that your physicians engages in these types of discussions for a living, and their motivation is to help you feel your best.
Basic preventive care may also include measurements such as your:
- Blood pressure
- Height and weight
- Body mass index (BMI)
Depending on your age and individual needs, your provider may also discuss vaccinations, pregnancy planning, contraception, menopause, bone health, and other preventive health concerns.
Is a Pelvic Exam Included in a Well-Woman Visit?
A pelvic exam is occasionally part of a well-woman visit, but not everyone needs one at every appointment. During a pelvic exam, your provider evaluates the reproductive organs and surrounding structures. This might be recommended if you have symptoms like pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, painful intercourse, or other gynecologic concerns.
Will determine whether a pelvic exam is appropriate based on your age, medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.
Is a Pap Smear Part of Every Well-Woman Exam?
Although Pap tests are commonly associated with annual appointments, most patients do not need cervical cancer screening every year. A Pap test collects cells from the cervix to look for changes that could potentially develop into cervical cancer. HPV testing looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus associated with most cervical cancers.
Depending on your age and health history, cervical cancer screening may involve a Pap test, an HPV test, or both. The recommended interval varies based on the screening method and your prior results.
Patients with certain risk factors or a history of abnormal results may have a different screening schedule. Your provider can tell you when your next cervical cancer screening is due.
Are Breast Exams and Mammograms Included?
Your doctor might discuss breast health with you during your well-woman exam and evaluate any breast symptoms or changes. A mammogram is an imaging test used to screen for breast cancer. It is not usually performed during the well-woman appointment itself, but your provider may recommend or order one when you are due for screening.
When mammograms should begin and how often they should be performed can depend on your age and risk factors. People with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer or certain genetic risk factors may need additional screening.
Are You Tested for STIs During a Well-Woman Exam?
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing may be recommended depending on your age, sexual history, symptoms, pregnancy status, and other risk factors.
Screening may include testing for infections such as:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B or C
STI screening is not necessarily automatic, so be open with your provider about your sexual health. These conversations are confidential and help your physicians recommend appropriate preventive care.
What Other Health Screenings Might Be Recommended?
A well-woman visit is about more than reproductive health. Your OB/GYN may also help make sure you are up to date on other preventive screenings.
Depending on your age and health history, your provider may discuss screening for:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Colorectal cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Depression and anxiety
- Intimate partner violence
Your provider may perform some screenings during the appointment and refer you to another healthcare professional or imaging center for others.
Do You Still Need a Well-Woman Exam If You Don’t Need a Pap Smear?
One of the biggest misconceptions about well-woman exams is that they are just appointments for Pap smears. Even when you aren’t due for cervical cancer screening, a preventive visit gives you an opportunity to discuss any changes in your periods, pelvic or breast symptoms, birth control, fertility, sexual health, menopause, and other common concerns like recurring UTIs or yeast infections.
Your healthcare needs also change throughout your life. Regular visits allow your provider to adjust screening recommendations as your age, medical history, and risk factors change.
When Should You Schedule a Well-Woman Exam?
Preventive care can help identify potential health concerns before they cause noticeable symptoms. Staying current with recommended screenings can also make certain conditions easier to detect and treat early, plus, it’s a great way to support your peace of mind.
If it’s been a while since your last well-woman exam, schedule an appointment with Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology at (404) 352-3616 today. Our provider can review your health history, determine which screenings you’re due for, and help you build a preventive care plan based on your individual needs.