Well-Woman Exam FAQ’s

Well-woman exam, also known as annual exams, is important because women need to receive preventive health screening, management, and education. Annual exams can detect early signs of cervical cancer, prevent diseases of the female reproductive system, and learn early about health management and education.

• Preventative Care – an assessment of the current state of health, and taking preventive measures against pre-emptive illness or disease.
• Disease Examination  – screening for certain diseases through diagnostic tests prevents the disease to get worst and gives peace of mind on a health condition.
• Medical History – knowing the medical history of oneself and family gives the doctor medical information needed on identifying genetic diseases, or current illness helps enlighten treatment options and develop an early plan head-on.
• Reproductive Management and Planning – knowing, managing, and planning about the reproductive system in advance gives an edge on how to care properly and correctly the reproductive system.

The well-woman exam should be performed annually, beginning in adolescence or at age 21, and continuation of a lifetime to make sure preventive measures and management are obtained.

• Vital Signs
• Heartbeat 
• Lungs
• Head
• Neck
• Abdomen 
• Reflexes 
• Blood works 
• Urine 

• vagina 
• ovaries
• uterus
• cervix 

During the exam, you will be asked questions regarding your physical and mental health, family history, and sexual activity.

• Family Medical History
• Illnesses
• Surgeries
• Menstrual cycle
• Sexual activity
• Contraception
• STD prevention
• Pregnancies
• Drug and alcohol use
• Exercise
• Nutrition

An gynecologist doctor will be doing the exam.

Typically, an GYN doctor with a medical assistant or nurse can perform the exam.

• Health Complaints
• Medical Issues – past conditions 
• Menstruation – heaviness of flow/ frequency/duration
• Surgeries- previous and prior surgeries
• Medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Smoking, Alcohol, and Drug Use
• Immunizations
• Sexuality and Sex Life
• Contraception
• Pregnancy – number and types of pregnancies (births, miscarriages, etc.)
• Plans for pregnancy (If applicable)

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Other Disorders and Diseases

Some women do experience small discomfort during the pelvic exam, while others do not.

The doctor will inspect physically the breast for skin texture, shape changes, nipple lumps, and discharges.

The doctor will inspect the labia and vagina. Uses a speculum, a medical tool for examining body cavities, placed in the upper vagina and cervix and performs a Pap smear procedure.

Yes. Commonly, most people also use wellness visits, while others also use:

• Annual Exams
• Gynecological Exams
• Pelvic Exams
• Annual Gynecologic Exams

You are free to ask any questions related to your health, even sensitive issues such as:

• Besides vaccines for COVID-19, what vaccines do I need?
• STDs are dangerous, how can I protect myself?
• How do I plan for birth control?
• How can I and my boyfriend have safe sex?
• What should I do about my tobacco and alcohol intake, is it really at a dangerous rate?
• What are my options to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
• Whom can I ask for mental health problems?
• How can I protect myself from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases?

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends girls first see a gynecologist when they’re between the ages of 13 and 15.

Considering your daughter is sexually active or having vaginal problems she should see a gynecologist immediately regardless of age. Otherwise, the pelvic exam for women starts at the age of 21.

Regular pelvic exam includes external exam. Laying on the table on your back the doctor will press on your lower stomach and feel the organs.

A mammogram is a diagnostic and screening procedure that uses low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for cancerous cells or tumors. The procedure can identify cancerous cells up to two years before they occur.

If you think you are pregnant like having morning sickness for no reason or tested positive with a home pregnancy test, the better schedule an appointment the sooner the better. Usually, clinics schedule about eight weeks from the last menstrual period.