Well Woman Exam Specialist

Why should I schedule routine well-woman exams?

A well-woman exam is a routine checkup that helps you stay healthy and prevent gynecologic problems and chronic diseases. Most conditions develop for months or years and reach an advanced stage before they cause symptoms. 

If you only visit your Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology provider when you have symptoms, you end up missing the window of opportunity for preventing disease.

When you get regular well-woman exams, your provider performs health screenings and finds signs of issues while they're still in an early stage. Early detection gives you the chance to prevent it from turning into a serious problem.

Your well-woman exam also gives you dedicated time to talk with your provider about any concerns you may have, from weight loss to planning for a future pregnancy.

What happens during my well-woman exam?

Your well-woman exam includes a review of your medical history, talking about symptoms since your last exam, and checking your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. 

Your provider performs a breast exam and a pelvic exam. They also run your blood work or recommend ultrasound if they discover potential problems during your exam.

Depending on your individual health needs, you may receive any of the following during your well-woman exam:

• Birth control
• Pap smear
• Mammogram
• HPV screening
• HPV immunization
• STD testing and treatment
• Infertility consultation
• Preconception planning
• Nutrition and diet counseling
• Menopause management
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Testing and treatment of urinary tract infections

In addition to screening for gynecologic conditions, your provider also evaluates your risk factors for chronic health conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

When should I schedule well-woman exams?

Teens should schedule their first well-woman exam between 13 and 15 years old. They don't usually need a pelvic exam at this age unless they have symptoms. 

Their first visit focuses on discussing existing issues and answering their questions about menstruation, gynecological care, and sexual health.

If you haven't already had a pelvic exam and Pap smear, you should schedule your first well-woman exam at the age of 21 or when you become sexually active. 

After your first exam, your provider talks with you about how frequently you should schedule future well-woman exams. Most women have yearly gynecological checkups, but you may need them more or less regularly, depending on your age and health.

If it's time for your well-woman exam, call Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology or book an appointment online today.