Well Woman Exam

What is a Well-Woman Exam?

A well-woman exam is like a routine annual physical, but it’s focused on the unique health and medical needs of women, especially as women go through different stages of life. In addition to routine physical evaluations, well-woman exams may include birth control selection, STD prevention or testing, menopause care, and management of chronic issues like PCOS or uterine fibroids. Plus, a well-woman exam includes important health screenings aimed at helping women identify and understand their risks for specific diseases and condition so they can take steps to reduce those risks and improve their overall health and wellness.

What Happens During a Well-Woman Exam?

Well-woman exams begin with a personal and family medical history, followed by weight and blood pressure measurements. Patients also will be asked about any symptoms they may have or concerns they want to discuss. Next, physical evaluations are performed. The doctor will listen to the patient’s heart and lungs, palpate the belly area to look for areas of tenderness, and perform a clinical breast exam. In most cases, a pelvic exam will also be performed, along with a Pap test or HPV (human papillomavirus) test. Depending on the patient’s specific medical history or symptoms, additional evaluations may be performed, or urine, blood, or other testing may be ordered. In some cases, diagnostic imaging studies like ultrasound may be ordered. Finally, the doctor will review the findings and discuss any treatment or lifestyle recommendations in addition to discussing any concerns the patient may have.

How Often Should I Have An Exam?

Ideally, well-woman exams should be performed every 12 months. Having an annual exam helps ensure problems are identified at an early stage so treatment can begin as soon as possible, and they also help identify developing or emerging risk factors for disease. Plus, having an exam every year enables women to get the medical screenings that can help them stay healthy at every age, and it also provides an opportunity to discuss health-related concerns.