Why Your Well-Woman Exam Is Important

When it comes to living a healthy life, we all know the importance of diet and exercise. However, you may not know how important an annual well-woman exam is for your overall health. 

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is a step all ages of women can take to protect their health against breast and cervical diseases. It’s normal to feel nervous before your well-woman exam, but it’s important to schedule your annual appointment. Even if you don’t feel sick, you should make your well-woman exam a priority. If you have a yearly exam, it allows your physician to get to know you and keep a medical record of your body to track if anything changes from prior visits. 

What happens during a well-woman exam?

During your annual well-woman exam, your physician will have a conversation with you about your medical history and any medications you may be taking. Your vital signs will be checked, and your physician may ask for a urine sample or blood tests. It’s an excellent time to talk to your physician about any concerns you may have about your reproductive health.

A breast exam will be performed to look for lumps, nipple discharge, or any irregularities in your breasts. There will also be a discussion on how to perform self-breast exams at home. The breast exam is a regular procedure of the well-woman exam to help detect breast cancer. 

A mammogram is a diagnostic screening for breast cancer and a part of regular preventive care if you’re 40 years or older. It’s a type of X-ray for breast tissue to check for early signs of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly mammogram screening. Annual mammograms are a significant part of early detection and treatment. 

Depending on your age, a pelvic exam will be performed to check for early forms of cervical cancer or ovarian abnormalities. Your physician will examine your vagina for irritation or any signs of abnormal conditions. The position of your cervix and ovaries will be examined by the physician as well.

A pap smear also helps to check for early forms of cervical cancer. Your physician will gently insert a speculum, a medical tool for examining your body cavity, into your vagina and insert a small brush to obtain a tissue sample from your cervix. Some women may feel minor discomfort, but a pap smear should not be painful. Your physician may suggest a test for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

Schedule Your Well-Woman Exam

Many severe health conditions can be caught early if you go for your well-woman exam annually. Catching conditions before the appearance of symptoms can make your treatment more manageable and a better chance of success. 

Understandably, a well-woman exam may make you feel nervous or possibly uncomfortable, especially before your first exam. Still, it’s one of the most critical steps that you can take to protect your health. Contact your physician today to schedule your annual well-woman exam.