What to Expect During Your First Woman Wellness Exam

You need a yearly woman wellness exam, but you’re nervous to put your feet in stirrups for the gynecological part. Examining your reproductive health is just one aspect of a well-woman exam. It’s intended to establish a baseline for your overall health as well as screen for health issues that may especially impact women. A well-woman exam is a basic health check for ladies of all ages that concentrates on screening you for gynecological and breast conditions. This comprehensive physical examination provides your doctor with an opportunity to assess your health in general. You can contact Houston Family Practice for a well-woman exam.

Why is a yearly well woman exam necessary?

It’s normal to feel anxious before your first well-woman exam, but you shouldn’t put off making an appointment. When you first start having sexual relations or when you become 21 years old, you should set up your first well-woman exam. If you have any pelvic discomfort or monthly abnormalities, you should make an appointment for an evaluation as well. The only approach to identify cervical cancer in its early stages is through a well-woman exam, which is also the first line of protection against illnesses affecting the female reproductive system. Due diligence is required while arranging your yearly test because of this. Whether it’s a well-woman exam, birth control prescriptions, or public health immunization, it’s advisable to consult with your family doctor Houston.

What to expect from your initial well-woman exam

A well-woman exam will begin just like any other doctor’s appointment. Forms requesting information about your family’s medical history, any medications you may be taking, basic demographic data, your menstrual cycle, whether or not you engage in sexual activity, and if you have ever been pregnant will be required of you. Your blood pressure, height, and weight will be measured by a nurse. She could also ask further questions regarding the details on your intake paperwork. They will provide you with a dressing gown and then exit the room so you may dress. The woman wellness exam consists of the physical examination, breast examination, pelvic examination, and Pap smear.

Physical exam:- While getting your physical done at the same time as your well-woman exam might be more convenient, the physical exam is quite similar to what your general practitioner would perform at an annual physical. In addition to reviewing your medical history, your gynecologist will inquire about any present problems. Your vital signs, heartbeat, lungs, neck, head, abdomen, and reflexes will all be examined. Sometimes they will request a urine sample or blood tests.

Breast exam:-To check for lumps or nodules in your breasts, the doctor does a physical breast exam. Only if they recommend it — typically if you’re above a particular age, have a family history of breast cancer, or they find a lump or mass — do you require a mammogram.

Pelvic exam:-The dreaded pelvic exam aids with the early detection of cancer, STDs, and any inflammatory conditions. Your doctor will instruct you to lie down with your feet elevated on leg supports for the pelvic exam. Your gynecologist will examine the exterior of your vagina for any signs of other conditions, including redness, itching, discharge, and soreness. Then, they will push down on your abdomen with one hand while inserting the fingers of the other hand into the vagina to inspect the size and placement of your ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Every year, Women 21 and older should get a pelvic checkup. If you have pelvic discomfort, vaginal discharge, or irregular menstruation and you are under the age of 21, you should obtain a pelvic exam.

Pap smear:-A pap smear assists in the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. Your gynecologist will insert a small brush or spatula while the speculum is in place to carefully scrape a tissue sample from the cervix. A pap smear shouldn’t hurt, although you could feel a brief squeezing feeling. If you are at least 21 years old and/or sexually active, you should obtain a Pap smear test every two years.

You can get in touch with Houston Family Practice for a woman wellness exam.