Wellness Woman Exam

A well-woman visit is an important opportunity for healthcare providers to advise patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing health risks. Despite the challenges of ensuring all recommended preventive services are provided, obstetrician-gynecologists can help promote women’s overall health and well-being by offering these services and counseling [1].

In 2021, 13.9% of women who are 18 years of age or older reported being in fair or poor health [2]. Therefore, it is deemed necessary to prioritize preventive healthcare and regular check-ups to help women maintain good health and detect potential health issues early on.

At My Concierge MD, we understand that maintaining your health as a woman is crucial to your overall well-being. That’s why we offer a comprehensive well-woman exam that includes specialized tests and treatments for women. Our experienced doctors and staff are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care tailored to your unique needs.

Our range of services includes mammograms, pelvic exams, pap smears, bone density scans, and other tests that can help detect early signs of disease. We also offer personalized treatment plans to address any issues that may arise.

Our flexible scheduling options include online booking, and scheduled appointments, so you can receive the primary care you need at your convenience. Call us today to schedule your well-woman exam and take an important step towards prioritizing your health.

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is a yearly preventive health checkup that is designed to help women maintain their health and detect potential health problems early. This exam typically includes a series of screenings, tests, and assessments, such as a breast exam, pelvic exam, pap smear, cholesterol screening, blood pressure check, and other tests that can help identify any health issues early on.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, periodic well-woman care visits should include screening, evaluation and counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors [3].

During a well-woman exam, women can discuss any concerns or questions they have with their doctor and receive advice on healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention. It’s an essential part of maintaining your health as a woman and can help you stay healthy and catch any issues before they become more serious.

Why do women get a women’s wellness exam?

Women get a women’s wellness exam, also known as a well-woman exam, to monitor and maintain their health. This annual exam is important for women to identify and address any potential health issues early on, as well as to receive appropriate health screenings, tests, and counseling.

The exam typically includes a breast exam, pelvic exam, pap smear, cholesterol screening, blood pressure check, testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), etc. These exams can help detect any health problems early.

In addition, the visit provides an opportunity for women to discuss any health concerns they may have with their healthcare provider and receive guidance on healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention. By receiving an annual well-woman exam, women can take an active role in maintaining their health and well-being throughout their lifespan.

What are some of the benefits of a women’s wellness exam?

There are several benefits of a women’s wellness exam, including:

Early detection of women’s health issues: Women’s wellness exams often include health screenings and gynecological exams that can help detect health issues early, such as breast or cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and high blood pressure.

Personalized health advice: During the exam, women can discuss their health concerns with their healthcare provider and receive personalized advice on maintaining their health and well-being, such as managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.

Prevention of health problems: Women’s wellness exams can help prevent health problems by providing preventive care, such as vaccines, screenings, and counseling on healthy behaviors.

Improved overall health: By monitoring their health and receiving appropriate care and advice, women can improve their overall health and well-being, which can lead to a better quality of life.

Increased peace of mind: Regular women’s wellness exams can help women feel more in control of their health and reduce anxiety about their health status.

Improved reproductive health: Developing and discussing a woman’s reproductive life plan is another key part of a well-woman visit, as it ensures that medical care is aligned with her current and future plans. Well-woman visits are necessary for women of all ages, including perimenopausal and postmenopausal women [4].

What is included in a women’s wellness exam?

A women’s wellness exam, also known as a well-woman exam, typically includes the following:

• Personal and family medical history review
• Height, weight, and blood pressure check
• Breast exam to check for any lumps or abnormalities
• Pelvic exam to examine the reproductive organs
• Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, if applicable
• Blood tests to screen for cholesterol, anemia, or other issues
• Menopause screening and management, if applicable
• Guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise recommendations
• Other screenings or tests as needed, depending on age, medical history, and other risk factors.

What is a breast exam?

A breast exam is a physical examination of a woman’s breasts by a healthcare provider to check for any lumps, changes, or abnormalities. There are two types of breast exams: clinical breast exams (CBEs) and self-exams.

During a CBE, a healthcare provider will check the breasts for any abnormalities, such as lumps or changes in the skin, shape, or texture of the breast tissue. The healthcare provider may also check the underarm area and the collarbone area for any enlarged lymph nodes.

Self-exams are performed by women themselves and involve feeling their breasts for any lumps or abnormalities. This type of exam is typically recommended for women starting in their 20s, so they can become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts and detect any changes early.

Both types of breast exams are important in detecting breast cancer early, which is essential for better treatment outcomes. It’s recommended that women receive a clinical breast exam at least once every three years between the ages of 20 and 39 and every year for women 40 and older. Women should also perform monthly self-exams and report any changes or concerns to their healthcare provider.

What is a pelvic exam?

A pelvic exam is a physical examination of a woman’s reproductive organs by a healthcare provider. The exam includes an assessment of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum. The provider may use a speculum to visualize the cervix and take samples for a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.

The ob/gyn will ask the patient to undress from the waist down and lie down on an exam table with her feet in stirrups. The healthcare provider will then visually examine the external genitalia, use a speculum to examine the inside of the vagina and the cervix, and perform a bimanual exam to feel the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

A pelvic exam is an essential part of a well-woman exam, as it can help detect any abnormalities or sexual health issues, such as infections, cervical cancer, or ovarian cysts. It’s recommended that women begin receiving pelvic exams at age 21 or earlier if they are sexually active or have certain health concerns. The frequency of pelvic exams may vary depending on a woman’s age and medical history, but generally, they are recommended once a year for women who are sexually active.

What is a pap test?

A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is a screening test for cervical cancer. The test involves taking a sample of cells from a woman’s cervix during a pelvic exam and analyzing them for any abnormal cells that could indicate precancerous or cancerous changes.

The provider uses a speculum to hold the vagina open and collect cells from the cervix using a brush or a spatula. The cells are then sent to a lab for examination under a microscope.

Pap tests are recommended for women starting at age 21 or three years after they become sexually active, whichever comes first. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should receive a Pap test every three years, while women between the ages of 30 and 65 should receive a Pap test and an HPV test every five years.

Pap tests are essential for detecting cervical cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Women who have abnormal Pap test results may need further testing or treatment, such as a colposcopy, which involves examining the cervix with a magnifying instrument to look for abnormal cells.

Does the wellness exam include other cancer screenings?

Yes, a well-woman exam may include other cancer screening tests in addition to a Pap test for cervical cancer. The specific tests recommended will depend on a woman’s age, medical history, and other risk factors. Some of the cancer screening tests that may be included in a well-woman exam include:

Mammogram: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue and is used to screen for breast cancer. Women are generally recommended to start receiving mammograms at age 40, and the frequency of mammograms may vary depending on a woman’s risk factors.

Clinical breast exam: A healthcare provider may perform a clinical breast exam during a well-woman exam to check for any lumps or abnormalities in the breast tissue.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening test for colon cancer that involves examining the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera. The frequency of colonoscopies may vary depending on a woman’s age and medical and family history.

What should I do before a women’s wellness exam?

Before a women’s wellness exam, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

Schedule the exam: Call your healthcare provider‘s office or use an online portal to schedule your exam. Make sure to choose a date and time that works well for you.

Gather your medical history: A comprehensive history is one of the most important aspects of a well-woman visit [5]. Before the exam, gather any relevant medical records, including previous test results and a list of current medications.

Wear comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. You may need to change into a medical gown for the physical exam.

Use the restroom: Empty your bladder before the exam to make the pelvic exam more comfortable.

Avoid sexual activity: Avoid sexual activity, douching, and using tampons for at least 24 hours before the exam, as these activities can affect the accuracy of the Pap test.

Prepare any questions: Think about any questions you may have for your healthcare provider and write them down so you remember to ask them during the appointment.

Bring your insurance information: Make sure to bring your insurance information and any necessary co-pays or fees to your appointment.

Well-woman exam near me

MyconciergeMD offers the best well-woman exam near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.

References:

1. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 755: Well-Woman Visit. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132(4):e181-e186. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002897

2. Summary Health Statistics. Cdc.gov. Published 2018. Accessed February 15, 2023. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/NHISDataQueryTool/SHS_adult/index.html

3. Well-Woman Visit. Acog.org. Published 2018. Accessed February 15, 2023. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/10/well-woman-visit

4. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 755: Well-Woman Visit. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132(4):e181-e186. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002897

5. Well-Woman Visit. Acog.org. Published 2018. Accessed February 15, 2023. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/10/well-woman-visit