Well Woman Exam Q & A

What is a well woman exam?

A women’s wellness exam, or checkup, includes health screenings and medical care for gynecological conditions and other diseases specific to women’s needs. Scheduling annual wellness exams, even if you don’t experience unusual symptoms, allows your primary care specialist to detect and treat health issues before they become problematic.

What are common women’s health concerns?

Women are at risk of specific health problems, which your provider addresses during wellness visits. Examples include:

• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Menopause symptoms
• Infertility
• Gynecological problems
• Depression
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity

During wellness checkups your doctor can screen you for these and other disease risk factors, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

What happens during well woman exams?

Women’s wellness visits consist of several key components. When you arrive at your checkup, your primary care specialist evaluates your blood pressure and other vital signs, weighs you, and discusses your medical history. They ask about your menstrual period and if you’ve recently experienced any usual symptoms.

Your doctor completes a comprehensive physical exam, including breast and pelvic exams. During a Pap test, your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina and scrapes cells from your cervix to screen for signs of cervical cancer.

They might recommend you complete blood tests, urine tests, heart function tests, bone density screenings, a mammogram, ultrasound, or other imaging procedures to screen for diseases, hormone imbalance, urinary problems, and more.

Which treatments are available?

Based on the results of your physical exam, diagnostic tests, disease risk factors, and your lifestyle and preferences, your provider might recommend the following treatments:

• Diet and exercise changes
• Other lifestyle habit changes
• Counseling and education
• Dietary supplements
• Medications
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Vaccinations
• Birth control
• Further diagnostic testing
• Medical weight loss

If you require additional diagnostic tests or a surgical procedure, your doctor can refer you to a highly qualified women’s health specialist in your area.

Take charge of your health to prevent or treat women’s health problems before they become serious. Schedule well woman exams yearly or more often if your provider recommends it. Call Sunstate Medical Associates today or book an appointment online.