Well Woman Exams

Depending on your specific health situation, your OB/GYN specialist may recommend some of the following:

• Breast health – Your doctor can manually examine your breasts for changes that could indicate breast cancer. A breast mammogram may be recommended, which can show abnormalities that can't be identified during a manual breast exam.
• Bone health – Osteoporosis is a concern for many women. Discuss preventative measures to protect your bone health with your doctor.
• Cancer screening – Discuss your family history and learn about genetic screening for cancer risk.
• Health maintenance – Your doctor will use your vital signs and may recommend laboratory evaluation to screen for high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
• Lifestyle – Discuss healthy eating, exercise and other lifestyle factors that can influence your overall health.
• Vaccinations – Talk about what shots are recommended for you, and get vaccines for the flu, HPV and more.

Patients often report anxiety about the pelvic exam. You may not need a pelvic exam at every gynecology appointment, but if a pelvic exam is recommended, here is what to expect. You'll be asked to lie back on the exam table with your feet elevated. First, your doctor will look for any visual abnormalities on your vulva. Next, they may gently insert a speculum, a medical device used to separate the walls of the vagina so that the vagina and cervix can be examined. Finally, your doctor may check the shape and position of your reproductive organs by pressing down on your abdomen while inserting 1 or 2 fingers into your vagina. A pelvic exam can help your doctor identify problems and recommend treatment specific to your concerns.

The Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer and can be performed at the time of a pelvic exam if indicated by your medical history. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from the cervix, the narrow end of the uterus that can be seen at the top of the vagina. Early detection of cervical cancer with a Pap smear gives you the best chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in the cells of the cervix that put you at greater risk of developing cancer in the future. Depending on your situation, your specialist may recommend doing Pap smears every 1, 3 or 5 years, usually until age 65.

You can talk about anxiety, depression, stress, changes in sex drive and other feelings that affect your quality of life. Your OB-GYN is a safe person to discuss concerns about your safety or about intimate partner violence.

A variety of topics fall under reproductive care. They include:

• Birth control - If you’re trying to prevent pregnancy, talk to your clinician about the best method for you.
• Menstrual concerns – Get help for painful or heavy periods; learn how to manage PMS symptoms.
• Sexually transmitted infections – Discuss safe sex practices and get tested for STIs and HIV if needed.
• Prepregnancy counseling – If you’re thinking about a future pregnancy, talk about ways to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
• Pregnancy care – Learn how to have a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
• Infertility counseling – If you have been trying for pregnancy without success, your care team can begin an infertility evaluation.

• Vulvar and vaginal concerns – Get help for yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, itching, irritation and abnormal discharge. You may be referred to one of our experts in vulvar and vaginal care.
• Menopause care – Learn about the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including vaginal dryness, hot flashes and painful sex. Discuss options for managing these symptoms and the risks/benefits of hormone therapy.
• Urinary incontinence – If you feel like you’re leaking urine or having frequency or urgency issues, bring this up with your doctor. You could also be referred to urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery specialists for additional treatment.