Many women often focus on caring for others and overlook caring for themselves. No matter how busy you may be, it’s important to take care of yourself. These simple annual checkups are vital to staying healthy and catching potential problems early.
What Is a Well-Woman Exam?
Well-woman exams, or annual wellness exams, are routine checkups focused on both your reproductive and overall health. Depending on your age and health history, your exam may include:
- Wellness screening: Your provider will check your vital signs, including weight, height, temperature and blood pressure.
- Breast exam: Your provider will perform a physical exam to check for any unusual lumps, changes or possible cysts.
- Pelvic exam: Your provider may perform a pelvic exam to evaluate the health of your vagina, uterus, ovaries and cervix.
- Pap test: Based on your personal health history, your provider may perform a Pap test, or Pap smear, during your pelvic exam to screen for human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.
- Blood work: Your provider may recommend lab work to evaluate key health markers, depending on your age, risk factors and overall health.
- Time for discussion: This is an opportunity to address any of your questions or concerns, including menstrual health, family planning or other gynecological concerns.
Who Needs Annual Well-Woman Exams?
- Well-woman exams should be a part of your regular healthcare routine beginning in your teenage years.
- Women are encouraged to schedule an exam yearly, but you may need to see your provider sooner if you have symptoms such as irregular bleeding, pelvic pain or changes in your breasts.
- Even beyond menopause, annual wellness exams help keep you healthy and catch problems early. Your women’s health physician or provider can help with managing hormones, medications or other concerns.
Before Your Well-Woman Appointment
Schedule at the right time: If possible, avoid scheduling your appointment during your period for more accurate test results and a more comfortable experience. In most cases, you can still have the exam while on your period.
Make a list: Bring a list of your current medications and note any past health conditions.
Review your cycle: Keep track of the timing of your recent menstrual cycles and bring this information with you.
Prepare your questions: Write down any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss during your visit.
Making time for your annual wellness exam is one simple way to take care of yourself. Well-woman visits are more than a checkup—they’re an opportunity to talk openly, ask questions and take charge of your health. Remember, caring for yourself is an essential part of caring for those you love.
