Women's Health Specialist

What is a well-woman exam?

A woman’s health could be said to be built on the well-woman exam. These annual visits should be a top priority for women of all ages.

Mothers are encouraged to bring their daughters in for their first visit around the age of 14-15. There’s usually no need for a pelvic exam during an adolescent’s health visit, and the focus is on establishing trust and helping your daughter begin to take control of her own health and wellness.

Well-woman exams are a central part of preventive health care. A breast self-exam for breast awareness is an inspection of your breasts that you do on your own. To help increase your breast awareness, use your eyes and hands to determine if there are any changes to the look and feel of your breasts.

It should be noted that most medical organizations do not recommend routine breast self-exams as a part of breast cancer screening. That's because in multiple large long term studies breast self-exams have not been shown to be effective in detecting cancer earlier or improving survival for women who have breast cancer and create significant anxiety. Still, doctors believe there is value in women being familiar with their own breasts, so they understand what's normal and promptly report any change or lumps.

A pelvic exam is also part of the process. Your specialist uses a medical device called a speculum to gently separate your vaginal walls, gaining a view of your vagina and cervix. If any signs of tissue changes are seen, then additional screening is pursued.

A Pap smear is included for women in their reproductive years and beyond as needed. This simple test looks for signs of cervical cancer, allowing treatment in the earliest possible stages of the disease.

A review of your health history is also part of your well-woman exam. Be sure to mention any changes you’ve noticed since your last visit.

What type of menopause care is available during well-woman exams?

Menopause is a natural period of transition as you move out of your childbearing years. For many women, it brings a range of uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Brain fog
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Sleep disruption

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can improve these symptoms by restoring your hormonal balance.

What other topics are covered during a women’s health visit?

Your well-woman exam can include any topic related to your health and wellness. You should feel free to raise any concerns and ask as many questions as you like. Some of the issues often raised during a well-woman exam include:

• Osteoporosis screening, prevention, and treatment
• Birth control
• Fertility planning
• Stress management
• Sexual health
• Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
• Abnormal bleeding

The team at Premier Medical Care is dedicated to building strong, trusting relationships with the women in their care. This makes it easier to discuss sensitive topics during your appointment.

If you’re overdue for a women’s health visit, call or book an appointment online today. Feel free to bring in a written list of questions to make sure nothing is overlooked.