Well Woman Exam
A well woman check up is an important part of preventive care and essential to maintaining and improving a woman’s health.
Importance of Well Woman Exams
Serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers are preventable and can be avoided, minimized or improved through routine screenings, healthy living and doctor’s visits.
What is a Well Woman Exam?
The major parts of a well woman exam include:
- Patient’s personal and medical history
- Physical Examination. This includes measuring height, weight, and body mass as well as taking blood pressure and performing a breast exam.
- During the pelvic exam, the doctor will examine the outer genitalia and use a speculum and palpation to assess the inner parts of the reproductive system. A Pap test may be performed to screen for pre-cancerous cells in the cervix. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women have a pelvic exam performed once a year, the first one being at age 21 or within 3 years of the onset of sexual activity, whichever comes first.
- Laboratory Tests. Blood, urine and sexually transmitted disease screenings may also be performed.
- General Health and Lifestyle. Your doctor may ask you questions about your eating and exercise habits, and may counsel you on alcohol, tobacco or drug use. This is also an opportunity to discuss any physical, mental, or emotional issues you may be experiencing so that your doctor can take the appropriate steps to treat them.
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