Well-woman exams are a great opportunity to catch up on any health concerns that may have cropped up recently. They also give your doctor a chance to spot any health concerns early on before they become large issues down the road.
A well-woman exam can be thought of as a preventative exam where the goal is to catch any potential breast, gynaecological and general health problems early on.
What should I expect from a well-woman exam?
Your well-woman exam is an annual check-up that focuses on preventive health. This includes gynecologic and breast health.
A well-woman exam is made up of two parts: A medical history and a physical examination.
History portion
This is designed to spot any potential risk factors you might have. Your doctor may ask about current medications, menstruation abnormalities or the presence of any new symptoms.
Your doctor may ask about specific concerns relating to issues such as
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Contraception (for those interested in family planning)
- Any age-appropriate screening exams such as pap smears, mammograms or colorectal cancer screenings
Physical examination
This may include one or more of the following elements
- Blood pressure check
- Measurement of your height, weight and vital signs
- Pelvic examination and/or speculum.
- Breast examination -to look for any lumps, bumps or skin changes
- Pap-smear if required
Both the physical examination and history are tailored to your own medical profile. Therefore, depending on your own medical history and background, different elements of the exam may or may not be included.
What happens after the exam?
Following the exam, the doctor may recommend further diagnostic or baseline tests such as:
- Basic blood test
- Cholesterol or diabetes tests
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Screening tests such as a mammogram or pap smear
If no further testing is needed and no issues were flagged then great! The advice is to keep up the good work!
Topics to ask about during your well woman exam
The visit is an ideal time to ask questions about general health issues such as
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding you may be experiencing
- Abnormal pelvic pain
- Birth control methods or issues related to family planning
- Tips for staying active and healthy
- Possible screening exams related to your age, family history and medical profile
How do I prepare for the exam?
No special preparation is needed for the exam. Just bring a list of any questions you may want to ask your doctor. A list of your current medications is also helpful.
For more information about the exam or to schedule your appointment, please call your clinic and speak to one of our friendly staff members.
