Well Woman Exams Specialist

What is a well woman exam?

A well woman exam is an appointment with your gynecologist that goes over your general sexual, reproductive, and hormonal health and wellness. Well woman exams are also an excellent opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns you have about:

• Sex and sexuality
• Your menstrual cycle
• Your breast health
• Pelvic pain and other symptoms
• Puberty
• Birth control
• Family planning
• Menopause

During the exam, your provider performs a series of tests to evaluate your primary and secondary sex organs. This includes your uterus, cervix, ovaries, vulva, and breasts. Some of your well woman visits include additional in-depth tests according to your age and risk factors. 

What happens during a well woman exam?

Well woman exams include several components. You can expect some of them at every visit and others just at some of them. Your next well woman exam may involve:

Pelvic examination

A pelvic exam is a general examination of your pelvic organs. With your feet in stirrups, your provider views the inside of your vaginal canal and palpates your pelvic organs. 

Pap smear

A Pap smear is a screening test to monitor changes to the cervix that could indicate human papillomavirus (HPV) or cervical cancer. 

Breast examination

A breast examination is a test for masses in the breast tissues. You get mammograms, which are screening tests for breast cancer, starting around age 40.

Other possible components of your well woman exam include STD testing, changes to your birth control prescription, and family planning. 

How often should I get a well woman exam?

You should come in for a well woman exam every year starting soon after you hit puberty. Most experts recommend coming in for your first well woman exam between the ages of 13 and 15. However, you don’t need to start getting Pap tests until your early 20s. During your earliest visits, you can discuss new changes to your body and mind that are brought on by puberty. 

You only need Pap tests every five years or so, and clinical breast exams happen every 1-3 years. You can discuss your personal needs and risk factors with the team at Modern OBGYN Care during your next visit for a well woman exam. 

Well woman exams are an essential part of maintaining your sexual, reproductive, and general health as a woman. To book an appointment at Modern OBGYN Care, call the office or schedule one online today.