What Are Well-Women's Visits And Why They Are Important

According to a survey by analytics firm Gallup, approximately 72 million women in the U.S. (42%) have skipped or postponed their recommended annual health screenings.

Whether you’re searching for the right type of birth control, struggling with symptoms of menopause, or simply looking to prevent chronic diseases, it’s critical to have a regular well-woman exam to catch and manage any health problems early on.

This article will explore what well-woman visits are, why they’re so important, and what to expect during your appointment.

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is a comprehensive women’s health check-up, typically scheduled annually. It focuses on preventive care, involving screenings to detect potential diseases.

These visits also address any current medical issues and are personalized based on your unique health history and needs. They usually include discussions about:

Family planning
Stress management
Lifestyle factors

Why is it important to get a well-woman exam each year?

Annual well-woman exams can help you identify potential health problems early on, allowing for effective intervention and treatment. This is especially critical with progressive diseases like cancer.

Research shows that regular pelvic screenings (Pap smears) at well-woman exams can even reduce the occurrence and deadliness of cervical cancer by over 80%.

Well-women annual exam

These visits also give you an opportunity to address any mental health concerns. Whether you’re among the 36.7% of U.S. women diagnosed with depression or are dealing with situational stress or anxiety, these exams offer a safe space to discuss your symptoms and get support from a healthcare provider.

What does a well-woman exam include?

Women’s health history

The first part of a well-woman exam is reviewing your medical history to identify any potential concerns. This includes discussing any past health problems you’ve had, as well as any conditions that run in your family.

This discussion helps your provider decide whether you need to undergo testing or preventative treatments for hereditary illnesses.

You’ll also talk about your sexual health and habits, which is a great chance to address concerns or discuss alternate birth control options.

You’ll also talk about lifestyle habits, such as:

Diet
Physical activity level
Use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
Any medications or supplements you’re taking

Your provider may also screen you for depression during the appointment.

Annual physical exam checklist for female

Next, your doctor will conduct a physical examination. He or she will assess your body and record vital signs, including:

Height
Weight
Body mass index (BMI)
Blood pressure
Temperature

This step also includes a clinical breast exam, during which your provider will feel for any lumps. Next, he or she will perform a pelvic exam to assess your uterus and ovaries for any abnormalities, as well as a Pap smear to collect cervical cells.

Pap smears are vital for early detection of potentially serious issues, such as:

Cysts
Infections
Growths
Early signs of cancer

The pelvic exam also extends to checking the overall health of the vaginal area and pelvis and can be an integral part of prenatal care.

Setting wellness goals

At the end of your appointment, your healthcare provider should help you identify and set any specific goals relating to your health, such as weight loss or quitting smoking. He or she can help you develop a plan to achieve these milestones.

He or she may also recommend further tests or follow-up appointments based on your health status. If necessary, your provider may refer you to a specialist to address any specific concerns or symptoms.

How to prepare for a well-woman exam

You can make the most of your appointment by preparing ahead of time. Here are some tips:

Jot down any questions or concerns you want to discuss during your visit.
Gather medical information. Bring any relevant medical records of yours or your family members. Knowing your family’s medical history–especially concerning breast, ovarian, or cervical cancer–is particularly important. You’ll also want to list any medications, vitamins, and/or supplements you’re taking.
Note any changes in your body. Be ready to discuss aspects of your health like changes in your period, sexual activity, pregnancy status, tobacco or contraception use, or any discomfort during sex, if applicable.
Be ready to communicate openly. Prepare yourself to answer questions about your health honestly. Your provider is there to support you–not judge you.

Yearly well-woman exams are essential for optimal health. These visits can help you address any troubling symptoms, catch serious conditions early on, and otherwise support your overall well-being.

If you haven’t scheduled your annual appointment yet, consider doing so today. It’s a simple yet powerful way to invest in a healthier, happier future.