Annual exams are screenings that involve testing, counseling, and immunizations tailored to your age, lifestyle and medical history. Whether you’re a teen going through your first menstrual cycle, a 20-year-old experiencing physical changes, or dealing with menopause symptoms, well-woman exams help you manage your health.
Well-Woman Exams: An Overview
Well-woman exams are comprehensive annual checkups with a preventative focus on female health. Even if you aren’t experiencing reproductive or hormonal problems, booking this yearly consultation allows you to monitor changes, screen for potential concerns, and ask your provider about any symptoms you might be experiencing.
While these yearly visits are tailored for your specific needs and medical history, they normally include the following:
- Medical history review: Your doctor will discuss aspects like your menstrual cycle, sexual wellbeing, family health history, and lifestyle. They will also check your vital signs such as blood pressure, weight, and BMI.
- Breast exam: During a breast exam, the doctor checks for lumps or abnormalities. Depending on what they find, they may also discuss routine mammograms.
- Pelvic exam: A physical exam used to evaluate the vulva, vagina, cervix, and pelvic organs. During the exam, a healthcare provider checks for signs of infection, irritation, abnormal changes, pain, or other gynecologic concerns.
- Pap smear: Pap tests check for signs of cervical cancer.
- Additional screenings: Your doctor may recommend you to get STD tests, hormone tests, blood work, and a bone density screening.
♀️Read more about it: Pap Smear in Lone Tree & Castle Rock, CO: Your Cervical Health Matters
Well-Woman Exams for 4 Stages of Life
As you grow up, your reproductive health changes, so the screenings and discussion topics during the visits do too. Well-woman exams include these aspects, depending on your age range:
1. Preteens & Teens
At the onset of puberty, a girl’s body experiences a wide range of changes that may seem confusing and scary at first. For younger patients, it’s essential to find comfort in talking about menstrual symptoms and cycles, breast development, birth control, and body image. During their consultation, teenage girls can expect:
- Education about menstruation, feminine hygiene products, and teen periods.
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination.
- If a teen patient is sexually active, a chlamydia screening is recommended, as this infection is often asymptomatic.
2. Young Adults
As you enter your 20s and 30s, it’s crucial to check for any abnormalities in your menstrual cycle, and for any signs of a hormonal health problem or an STI. Screenings for young adult women include:
- Skin cancer check on the genital area.
- A Pap smear for cervical cancer every three years.
- Chlamydia test every year.
- STI tests.
- Dental and vision exams prescription at least every two years.
- Clinical breast exam.
- Counseling for family planning or contraceptive methods.
3. Midlife
What characterizes the transition between the 30s to 40s for women are the hormonal changes that come with perimenopause and menopause. Most women stop menstruating at age 50, but the signs of this natural process may start at age 35. Exams and screenings for adult women:
- Annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer starting at age 40.
- A colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer every 5-10 years starting at age 45.
- Skin cancer screenings.
- Cervical cancer screening every 3-5 years.
- Pap smear test.
- Pelvic floor exams.
- Blood pressure check.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) counseling in case of having severe perimenopause symptoms.
4. Postmenopausal Women
If you’re over 55 years old, your menstrual cycle might have stopped. During this life stage, well-woman exams focus on discussing postmenopause symptoms like vaginal atrophy, intimate health, and signs of cancer. Your doctor will probably recommend these screenings and tests:
- Bone density test for osteoporosis starting at age 65.
- Annual mammograms.
- A colonoscopy every 5-10 years.
- Skin cancer screenings.
- Blood sugar test.
- Blood pressure and weight check.
- Cervical cancer screening before reaching age 65.
- Pap smear test.
FAQ
What if I had a hysterectomy?
Well-woman exams are still necessary after having a hysterectomy. Pelvic exams, cervical cancer screenings, and consulting with your doctor about menopause symptoms are recommended.
Can I get well-woman exams during my period?
While you can book your well-woman exams during your period, it is generally preferred to schedule when you’re not bleeding. Menstruation can affect the accuracy of Pap smear results.
Are well-woman exams necessary if I’m not sexually active?
Yes, well-woman exams are important for overall reproductive health. These screenings and tests are not only to detect STIs/STDs, they can also identify if there’s any other underlying issue like PMOS.
Book Your Well-Woman Exam
Taking care of your health starts with making time for yourself. Scheduling your annual well-woman exam is an important step in staying on top of your wellbeing. At Lone Tree OBGYN & Midwives, our compassionate team is here to support you through every stage of life. We’ll listen to your concerns, discuss your symptoms, and create personalized care plans that fit your unique needs.
About Lone Tree’s Mission
Lone Tree OB/GYN & Midwives is a full-service obstetrics and gynecology office with a team of highly regarded providers recognized throughout the Castle Rock, Colorado, community for their exceptional care.