Well Woman Exam

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is a routine physical examination you undergo at Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness. It's similar to an annual physical, but with a focus on your gynecological health.

Your provider conducts your well-woman exam with your individual needs in mind. Some of the issues a well-woman exam covers include:

• Cancer screening
• Bone density testing
• STDs
• Sexual health
• Menstrual problems
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Incontinence
• Birth control
• Mental health
• Relationship problems

Cancer screening includes having a breast check to look for any lumps and a Pap smear to check for cervical cancer. Your provider also checks your immunization records to make sure you're up to date with vaccinations for conditions like human papillomavirus (HPV).

A regular well-woman exam is an important way to prevent health problems from developing into more serious conditions and should be a priority for all women.

How often should I have a well-woman exam?

If you're in good health, the team at Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness recommends having an annual well-woman exam. If you have health problems or other issues, they might advise more frequent checkups.

Having a previous positive Pap smear is one reason why you might need to have a well-woman exam more often.

From the ages of 21-65, you should have a Pap smear every three years, unless the previous smear was positive and indicated changes in your cervical cells. In this case, your provider will tell you when to have your next well-woman exam.

What happens at a well-woman exam?

Your well-woman exam begins with a review of your medical history and discussion of your current health. The team at Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness runs some basic checks like blood pressure and heart rate and conducts a physical examination, including a breast exam.

Part of your physical examination is an internal pelvic exam. You need to lie on your back on the exam table, with your knees raised and your legs apart. Your provider inserts a speculum into your vagina that holds open your vaginal walls. This allows them to see and feel your vagina and cervix.

If your Pap smear is due, your provider takes some cervical cells during your pelvic exam to send for lab analysis. You might also need to provide blood and urine samples to check for infections and other health problems.

To schedule a well-woman exam, call Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness or book online today.