Why You Shouldn't Skip Your Well-Woman Exam

Women often take on the role of caregiver for both family members and friends. Unfortunately, many can forget to take care of themselves in the process, especially when it seems like nothing is wrong. But, it’s essential to schedule well-woman exams to make sure you stay healthy.

At Medinet Family Care Clinic in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas, our team understands that well-woman exams are a crucial part of keeping your health on track. Not only do we use these annual visits to screen for signs of illness, but they also serve as an opportunity for you to learn more about your body and be proactive about your health.

Here’s what you need to know about well-woman exams and why you shouldn’t put off scheduling appointments.

What makes a well-woman exam unique?

Unlike a trip to the doctor when you're sick, a well-woman exam serves as a checkup specifically because you have female reproductive organs. These visits may also be called pelvic exams, annual physicals, or gynecology appointments.

Generally speaking, your first well-woman exam should happen when you start seeing signs of puberty. From then on, the focus and frequency may change with age and life events, but an annual visit should always be a regular part of your general health care routine.

What happens during a well-woman exam?

Your well-woman exams may vary depending on your age and lifestyle. At every visit, you can expect us to capture your vital signs — such as height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure — and make general observations about your health.

Depending on your age and sexual activity, appointments could also include:

• A physical exam
• External and genital exam
• Additional screenings, such as sexually transmitted disease testing or cervical cancer testing

We’ll also discuss your personal and medical history since your last visit, including any illnesses you or close family members may have had. It can also be important to share changes in your lifestyle, such as changes in your relationship status or sexual partners.

Having these regular appointments will also help you build a relationship with your doctor or gynecologist. By following your health over time, it will be easier to notice potential issues that other health care providers may miss.

Your well-woman exam evolves along with you

We specialize in offering comprehensive well-woman exams to women and girls at every stage of life. That’s because as you grow and move through life, your individual needs change, too. But your well-woman exam can follow you every step of the way.

When you start having well-woman visits around age 14, it’s common to have questions about your period and changing body. These visits can also be a good time to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which can protect you from some types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

However, once you become sexually active, your exam is the perfect opportunity to talk about safe sex practices, STD prevention and testing, and birth control methods. If you’re preparing for a pregnancy, your well-woman exam can focus on your overall health and how it will support your baby.

Once you finish having children, permanent birth control may become a priority. And, when you pass out of your reproductive years, the symptoms of menopause could be prominent.

A well-woman exam goes beyond your reproductive health

It's easy to think that a well-woman exam is all about reproduction, but it also focuses on your general health, including screening for cancers. We can use these medical exams to detect both breast and cervical cancer long before you notice any symptoms.

We also understand the intimate nature of these appointments, and we have several female providers on our team — including two nurses and two physician assistants — who can be available for your well-woman exam.

Don’t wait to schedule your well-woman exam. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Medinet Family Care Clinic today.