Well-Woman Exam
in Riverdale Park, MD

A well-woman exam is a yearly exam you go to the gynecologist for to make sure you're healthy and while there, your doctor can inform you of preventative measures you can take to ensure you stay healthy. At your yearly well-woman visit, your doctor might ask you questions about your medical history and document your habits. You'll also get a physical exam and potentially set health goals for the future. If needed, your gynecologist might treat you for any conditions you have or provide relevant screenings, such as an HIV screening, a blood pressure screening, an alcohol misuse screening, and an STI screening, especially if you're sexually active. You might also receive contraceptive counseling, nutrition and diet counseling, and certain vaccines and immunizations.

It's important to get yearly well-woman visits to ensure you have a healthy pap smear, as well as good overall gynecological health. While you don't need to have a pap smear yearly, it's recommended that you get one every three years at minimum. Well-woman visits are the perfect time to ask questions or let your doctor know about any concerns you have about your health. If you've got a history of certain illnesses in your family that affect women, such as breast cancer, it's best to let your health care provider know so that you can get regular screenings.

More Details about Well-Woman Exams

A yearly well-woman check is critical for staying healthy throughout your life and avoiding health problems that affect women. Understanding the components of a well-woman exam will help you prepare for your appointment and put your doctor or OB-GYN at ease.

What is a wellness visit?

A wellness visit, also known as a wellness check, is an annual checkup with your primary care physician or OB-GYN to talk about your personal health. These sessions are usually distinct from those for treating acute illnesses and injuries, with a focus on preventative care and overall health.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a well-woman check may include services such as vaccines, cancer screenings, and educational programs that help you make informed health decisions (DHHS). Pelvic exam, vaginal exam, and cervical exam are examples of gynecological services that may be included.

What happens during a wellness visit?

All well-woman visits, according to Oregon Health and Science University, begin with a conversation between you and your clinician (OHSU). This is a great moment to bring up any health concerns you may have, such as new symptoms you've noticed or the status of any current health problems you're dealing with. According to the University of Southern California, you may have discussions regarding gender identity, body image, exercise, nutrition, familial ties, and incontinence (USC).

Cancer and other illness screenings may be performed during a wellness exam. According to USC, hearing, vision, cervical cancer, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infections are all possible screenings (STIs). According to USC, other screenings you may get include diabetes, osteoporosis, and lung cancer, especially if you're 65 or older.

Your reproductive health may be questioned by some healthcare providers. According to USC, if you're thinking about raising a family, your OB-GYN may recommend prenatal vitamins and other techniques to increase your fertility. If you don't want to get pregnant or have children right now, your provider can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various birth control methods with you and help you choose the best one for you.

According to OHSU, another important topic that your doctor may mention during your annual well-woman check is mental health. You may be questioned about your mood, such as whether you are irritated or have frequent mood changes. You may also be checked for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse concerns, according to OHSU.

What kinds of questions will they ask me?

During a well-woman check, your provider may ask you numerous probing questions to learn more about your overall physical, emotional, and mental health. According to the DHHS, this could include questions about your menstrual period, chronic health concerns, new symptoms, pregnancy, and current level of sexual activity. You may also be asked about your drug and alcohol use, as well as any current prescriptions.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Ask your doctor any health-related questions during your well-woman checkup. You might, for example, want to inquire about the efficacy of certain diets or new medications or treatments you've recently heard about. According to the DHHS, you can talk about birth control, monthly irregularities, reproductive issues, vaginal discharge, and vaccines.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, well-woman exams are often performed one-on-one with your doctor, who should be someone you trust and feel at ease conversing with. You'll feel more at ease sharing health-related problems or concerns with your doctor, who will be able to shed more light on them once you've found the right one.

Will I need to have any tests?

Your doctor may request particular tests if you have any worrying symptoms, such as irregular monthly bleeding, vaginal itching, pain, or signs that indicate you may have a STI. It's also possible to have tests and screenings for cancers like breast cancer, cervical cancer, and HPV.