Well Woman Exam
An annual well-woman care exam performed by the leading health professionals at The Women’s Group, located in Pensacola, Florida, offers women of all ages invaluable screening, counseling and early detection services that are essential to maintaining optimum gynecological health.
Why are annual exams necessary?
Annual exams ensure you’re healthy and no gynecological problems exist. It’s also a time for patients to check in with the doctor to discuss any updates in their health or new concerns. In many cases, annual exams uncover a mild health problem before it becomes serious.
What's a well-woman exam?
An annual well-woman exam is among the most important steps a woman of any age can take to protect her gynecological health. Many health conditions develop over time, and are most treatable when caught early through preventive screenings or a physical examination that are part of a well-woman exam. Routine exams also provide an opportunity to ask your healthcare professional questions and build a trusting provider-patient relationship.
What's included in an annual well-woman exam?
An annual well-woman exam begins with a general physical examination, including height, weight, and blood pressure assessments, along with a review of your medical history. That is followed by:
- A thorough breast exam
- A mammogram, typically starting around age 40
- A bone density scan, typically starting around age 65, or earlier if you have certain risk factors
- A pelvic exam, also based on your age and health history. A pelvic exam may cause some mild discomfort but shouldn't be painful, and it takes only a few minutes
- A Pap smear, starting at age 21, and possibly a test for human papillomavirus (HPV), depending on your age
Your provider may also discuss topics such as contraception, menstrual health, sexual health, and any other questions or concerns you'd like to cover. Every well-woman exam is tailored to you, so what's included may vary based on your age, health history, and personal needs.
Who should have a well-woman care exam?
Every woman should have an annual well-woman care exam starting in her mid teens, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Adolescents and young women, under the age of 21 who are not sexually active, will typically not have a pelvic exam or Pap smear as part of their visit. Pap smears performed prematurely can detect minimal changes that aren’t a sign of cancer, and can lead to extensive, unnecessary testing. Still, other important health issues are addressed. These include: assessing whether a young patient’s development of secondary sex characteristics is normal, addressing any issues with menstrual cycle irregularities, monitoring weight and severe acne, which can be signs of polycystic ovary syndrome. Our team also provide young women with health information, instruction on how to perform a self breast exam, and are always willing to answer questions about gynecological health, sex and contraception.
When Should I See a Gynecologist?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, every woman should begin having annual well-woman exams starting in her mid-teens. Adolescents and young women under the age of 21 who are not sexually active will typically not have a pelvic exam or Pap smear as part of their visit. Pap smears performed too early can detect minor changes that aren't a sign of cancer, which can lead to unnecessary additional testing.
Still, these early visits address other important health topics, including:
- Whether a young patient's development is progressing typically
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Weight changes and severe acne, which can sometimes be signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Our team also provides young women with health education, instruction on how to perform a breast self-exam, and is always happy to answer questions about gynecological health, sex, and contraception.
What types of birth control are available?
Patients choose from many different types of birth control, including oral contraceptives, injections, intrauterine devices, and implants. Doctors at The Women’s Group provide additional information about each of these options to help patients make the right choice.
How much will an annual exam cost?
Most medical insurance companies cover the cost of an annual exam. However, patients should always verify the cost with their insurance companies before seeing their doctor.
When should a woman begin annual gynecological exams?
In general, our staff at The Women’s Group recommends that women see a gynecologist annually at the age of 21. However, women should begin annual exams earlier if they’re sexually active.
How can patients prepare for an annual exam?
Our staff recommends that patients try to schedule their annual gynecological exams between menstrual periods, as the flow can interfere with the exam. The day before the exam, avoid vaginal intercourse and prepare a list of any questions for your doctor. Call The Women’s Group or schedule your next annual exam online.
What is not part of an annual exam?
If you have ongoing or new medical problems that require additional attention and discussion during your well-woman exam, then two services may be billed - an age appropriate preventive medicine exam and a problem focused office visit.
Have a question about a service?
Our team would be happy to assist you. Call us or request an appointment and we’ll guide you from there.