Well Woman Exam Specialist

What is a well-woman exam?

Not all doctor appointments are because of sickness. Preventive care is just as important when considering your well-being. A well-woman exam is a routine appointment to assess your physical, mental, and gynecological health, answer any questions you may have about your future health plans, and monitor any ongoing health conditions.

When should I have a well-woman exam?

The team at Women's Health of Manhattan recommends you start well-woman exams at age 18 and schedule them yearly — but many people put these off because they feel perfectly healthy. 

While annual health checks are valuable to everyone, no matter how well you feel, these exams are more vital for some people than for others. If you are receiving treatment for a disease, having surgery soon, or have a family history of disease, well-woman exams help you stay on top of your health. 

And if you're over 50, you're more at risk of developing long-term health conditions, so routine checkups with your provider allow you to practice safe vigilance, catching anything potentially harmful before it develops.

What does your doctor check for at a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam checks your physical, mental, and gynecological health, reviews any current conditions or treatments, and flags any health changes. Your exam may include:

Pap smear

If you're aged 21-65, you should have a Pap smear every three to five years to check for cervical cancer or abnormal cells that could turn cancerous. Once you turn 30, your provider may recommend you combine your Pap smear with an HPV test.

Breast exams

All women aged 45-55 should have an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. When you turn 55, this can reduce to every other year. You can, however, request a breast exam at any age, and if you have a family history of breast cancer, your provider will likely advise that you start these sooner.

Health screenings

Depending on your age, health history, and current health status, your provider may recommend they screen you for any of the following:

• Sexually transmitted disease (STDs)
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer
• Bone density
  
  

Take control over your health and well-being when you partner with Women's Health of Manhattan. Your provider listens to your concerns and provides personalized care and treatment plans tailored to you. Call them today or use the online scheduling tool to book your appointment.