Why do I need well women’s exams?
Even if you don’t have any symptoms that require medical attention and diagnosis, well women’s exams are still crucial to your health and wellbeing.
A well woman exam is an opportunity to take time out for yourself, check in on your health, and have tests to screen for signs of diseases that may not cause symptoms in their early stages.
Conditions like diabetes, cervical cancer, high blood pressure, and STDs often don’t cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular health screenings are the only way to diagnose these conditions early so you can make lifestyle modifications and get the treatment needed to protect and improve your health.
For instance, high blood pressure is an early warning sign and cause of heart disease — the number one cause of death in American women. When high blood pressure is diagnosed early, patients can change their lifestyle and lower their blood pressure, reduce their risk of serious illness, and improve their health overall.
What should I expect during well women’s exams?
Well women’s exams begin like any other annual physical. Your doctor performs a physical exam that includes the following:
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Looking into your eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Feeling your abdomen
- Checking your reflexes
Then, your doctor gets into the women’s health part of the exam. They’ll perform a pelvic exam and breast exam. If necessary, they’ll perform a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells on the cervix.
They review your medical history and often ask if you’ve noticed any symptoms that concern you or other changes to your health.
In addition to a physical exam and health screenings, well women’s appointments allow you to talk to your doctor about your wellness and get advice on how to protect and improve your health.
When should I get a Pap smear?
Your doctor advises on the frequency of Pap smears, depending on your risk of various women’s health conditions and cervical abnormalities.
If you have low to average risk, your doctor may recommend a Pap smear every three years between the ages of 21-29 and every five years if you’re between the ages of 29-64. After age 64, your doctor will let you know if a Pap smear is still necessary.
For excellent care and well women’s exams from a team you can trust, call Core Primary Care to schedule a visit. Or book online, which is fast and convenient.
