Well-Woman Exam Guide: Benefits, Preparation, and What to Expect
Benefits of a well woman check up in San Tan Valley
The goals of a well woman check up include:
- To have a physical and/or pelvic exam
- To ensure that all your routine screenings are up to date, such as mammograms, pap-smears or routine colonoscopies
- Discuss any new or ongoing gynecological or obstetric health issues
- If you have health goals, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, you and your doctor can make a plan to help you achieve them
Who should have a well woman check up in San Tan Valley?
A well woman check up is recommended for all women:
- Women of reproductive age
Women who have reached puberty and are of reproductive age should consider scheduling regular well woman exams. - Women going through menopause
Women going through menopause or perimenopause can benefit from well woman exams, where they can address any health concerns related to hormonal changes and aging. - Women planning to become pregnant
Well woman exams are an excellent opportunity for women who are considering pregnancy to speak to their doctor about steps that they can take to help prepare for a healthy pregnancy. - Women with a family history of certain gynecological conditions
If you have a family history of conditions such as breast or ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it’s crucial to have regular well woman exams for early detection and preventive care.
What happens during a well-woman check up?
A well-woman check up consists of two parts: a medical history and a physical examination.
Medical history
- Your doctor will ask about current medications, menstruation abnormalities or the presence of any new and/or concerning symptoms.
- They may inquire about long term medical conditions that you are dealing with or any concerns about factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Your status regarding pap-smears and age-appropriate screenings.
Physical examination (may include one or more of the following elements)
- Measurement of your height, weight and vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate).
- Pelvic examination and/or speculum
- Breast examination -to look for any lumps, skin changes or dimpling of the nipple.
Both the physical examination and history will be tailored to your own medical profile. Depending on your own medical history and background, different elements of the exam may or may not be included.
What to expect during a well-woman check up
The entire examination will take approximately 20-45 minutes, depending on your own particular circumstances.
What happens after a well-woman check up
By taking into account your medical history, age and the results of your history and physical, your doctor can better understand your risk of developing certain conditions. If needed, they can discuss further diagnostic tests or treatment options for any specific issues. If you’re in good health with no issues flagged, the advice is to keep up the good work!
Who performs the well-woman check up?
An OBGYN/doctor or nurse practitioner may perform the exam. In most cases, the doctor and their nurse (or medical assistant) will be in the room. We always try to put patients at ease. Therefore, bring along a family member or friend for extra support, if needed.
How do I prepare for the exam?
No special preparation is required for the exam. Just bring a list of any questions you may want to ask your doctor. Since a well-woman exam is tailored to each woman, different issues will have a greater level of significance for each patient. Furthermore, women of different ages may have specific age-related concerns. Therefore, patients are invited to bring up questions that are important to them (ie. contraception, pre or post-pregnancy counseling, menopause symptoms, diet and nutrition etc.).
If you have your period on the day of the exam, the healthcare provider will encourage you to schedule your exam for a day when you aren’t menstruating.
Lastly, it is also helpful to bring a list of your current medications.
Well woman check ups are a vital part of maintaining your health and well-being. They provide a comprehensive assessment of your reproductive health and overall wellness, with a focus on early detection and preventive care. By scheduling regular well woman exams and actively participating in your healthcare, you’re taking an important step in proactively managing your health.
For more information about the exam or to schedule your appointment, please call the clinic and speak to one of our staff members.