Strong, beautiful, and incredibly resilient, the female body is a complex system, which is why it’s important to keep it healthy. One of the ways to do that is through well-woman exams. It doesn’t matter if you are a sexually active teenage girl, a young adult planning to get pregnant, or a lady who’s just entered menopause, a yearly well-woman exam is a must. Not only does it help prevent diseases by identifying them while they’re still in their early stages, but it also helps females maintain optimal wellness regardless of their age.
Although many women dread the thought of scheduling this appointment, let alone being examined, the peace of mind this exam can offer is priceless. Whether you’re in your 20’s, 40’s, or 60’s, here’s everything you need to know about a well-woman exam, including what it is, why it’s important, and everything else in between.
What is a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is an exam that is done annually, typically once a woman turns 21. When you reach your 30’s, it’s recommended that you schedule one every five years until you’re 65.
So, what does a well-woman exam look like? Generally speaking, it involves both physical and gynecological examination. The doctor performing the examination will check your general health, which will then be followed by reproductive health screening. They’ll also ask questions regarding your family’s medical history, as well as your own. What’s important is that you do not skip or delay this exam, especially if there are particular women’s health concerns you’re dealing with.
Why is a well-woman exam important?
Your reproductive health is fragile, and as with any other system in the body, numerous things can go wrong. A well-woman exam makes it possible for the doctor to catch any problems early on. In doing so, they’ll be able to provide the necessary treatment as soon as possible.
A trip to the women’s health clinic every year is also a great preventative step you can take to ensure optimal health. During the exam, the doctor will give you valuable information regarding prevention. This is also a great time to ask any questions surrounding your reproductive health system. You should also list all the medications you’re using (if any) as well as their dosages. Doing so will help the doctor see the full picture when it comes to your overall health.
What can I expect during a well-woman exam?
First, the doctor will take vital stats by measuring your height, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. They will then examine your breasts for any cysts and lumps. By gently massaging the breasts, they’ll be able to identify any irregularities that may signalize an underlying condition.
After that, it’s time to move on to the pelvic exam, which may feel uncomfortable for some women. In case you feel any pain, make sure to address it during the exam as this can also be a dangerous symptom. Finally, the doctor will take a PAP smear and send the collected sample to the lab for further analysis. That way, they’ll be able to see if there’s anything suspicious going on in the cervical area and react accordingly.
What steps can I take to prepare for a well-woman exam?
Generally speaking, there aren’t any requirements regarding preparations prior to the exam. To speed up the process, some clinics may ask you to bring your urine sample with you.
The whole examination takes no more than 15 minutes, but it’s recommended that patients arrive earlier to fill out the paperwork. Unless the issue that you’re going to address is heavy bleeding, it’s best that you avoid going for a well-woman exam while on your period.
Wrapping up
Self care isn’t only about finding effective ways to relax and spending time on things you enjoy. It’s about understanding the importance of your own health and prioritizing it.
A well-woman exam can help clear up any doubts you may have about your reproductive health, and may even be a potential lifesaver. The sooner you make it a part of your routine appointments, the sooner you’ll be able to reap its many benefits.
