Well Woman Annual Exams

Overview

During your annual well woman exam, you will be screened for potential gynecologic health problems. These screenings may include a pelvic exam, pap smear, breast exam, laboratory testing, as well as contraceptive or menopause management counseling.

Your well woman exam is also the time for you to ask questions and discuss gynecologic health concerns you have with your care provider.

Teen years

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the first gynecologic visit for young females occurs between the ages of 13 and 15. The first visit may just be a discussion between you and your doctor. Depending on your current health care needs, there may also be exams performed. The decision to perform an exam is based on your age, any problems you are having, or if you are sexually active. Exams may include a pelvic exam, pap test and breast exam.
Your well woman exam is the time for you to discuss any questions or health problems you are having such as birth control, preventing or treating sexually transmitted infections or issues related to menstruation.

20's & 30's

We recommend patients in their 20's and 30's have an annual well woman exam. This exam may include a pap smear, pelvic exam, discussion of contraceptive needs and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, breast exam and instructions on how to perform breast self exams. During your well woman exam your care provider will discuss healthy lifestyle choices including healthy diet and exercise, not smoking and alcohol only in moderation. A baseline mammogram is offered between the ages of 35 and 40.

40's & 50's

We recommend patients in their 40's and 50's have an annual well woman exam. This exam may include a pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam and instructions on how to perform breast self exams. An annual mammogram is also recommended. This visit may also include counseling for osteoporosis prevention and Bone Density Testing if needed. Other discussion for this visit includes possible peri-menopausal or age related changes you can expect, as well as contraceptive needs and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. During your well woman exam your care provider will discuss healthy lifestyle choices including visiting your primary care provider for regular health screenings, healthy diet and exercise, not smoking and alcohol only in moderation.

Menopausal years and beyond

An annual well woman exam is recommended during the menopausal years and after. This exam may include a pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam and instructions on how to perform breast self exams. In addition to an annual mammogram, a Bone Density scan is recommended approximately every other year. During your well woman exam your care provider will address issues including vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary frequency and sexual dysfunction as well as any concerns you may have. If indicated, Hormone Therapy may be discussed. During your well woman exam your care provider will discuss healthy lifestyle choices including visiting your primary care provider for regular health screenings, taking calcium and exercising to prevent bone loss, healthy diet, not smoking and alcohol only in moderation.

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