Essential Services Included in a Well-Woman Exam

A well-woman exam is a routine checkup where your doctor assesses your physical, mental, and reproductive health. It helps to prevent, diagnose and treat various medical conditions. The exam varies for each woman depending on age, medical history, and lifestyle habits. A well-woman exam allows you to review your medical history, check for abnormalities and get information about women’s health requirements. Your doctor will personalize your well woman exam San Antonio based on your unique needs. Diagnostic tests, counseling, and vaccinations are vital services in this exam. You should have a well-woman exam regularly to maintain your overall health. The well-woman exam includes various tests, which include:

Pap test

Doctors use a Pap test to diagnose cervical cancer. The test involves your healthcare provider collecting sample cells from your cervix. The provider then takes the sample to a laboratory, and lab technicians observe it under a microscope to look for precancerous and cancer cells. The Pap test procedure is not painful, but you may feel mild discomfort. Doctors recommend women get Pap tests yearly for sexually active individuals or above twenty years.

Breast exam

A breast exam involves your doctor assessing your breasts to check for lumps and abnormalities. The exam can help detect breast cancer in its early stages. If your provider detects any abnormality, you may have a mammogram for further information. Doctors also teach women how to perform self-examinations that are best done monthly. Ensure you have a breast exam every one to three years when you attain twenty up to forty years and a mammogram annually after forty.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) testing

It is essential to have regular STD testing if you are sexually active with multiple partners. If your physician detects any infection, the provider will prescribe the appropriate treatment and prevent you from spreading the condition to others. You can also get STD testing if you have sexually transmitted disease-related symptoms. During STD testing, your doctor will teach you the appropriate preventive measures for STDs.

Family planning

Family planning service involves your doctor examining your health to determine the birth control technique that suits you. The provider may recommend blood tests to give the best birth control plan. Types of birth control include oral pills and intrauterine devices. Ensure you discuss each method’s benefits and side effects before you make your final decision. Doctors recommend birth control methods based on personal needs and lifestyle.

Pelvic exam

A pelvic exam involves your provider manually assessing your reproductive system to check for abnormalities. Uterus, cervix, and ovaries are the most observed organs. During the process, your doctor places one hand on your stomach and inserts two fingers from the other hand into your vagina. The provider palpates your organs against the roof of your abdomen to feel any abnormalities like swelling. The provider can also check if your organs have the usual size or if you experience any pain.

The well-woman exam involves preventing, diagnosing, and treating medical conditions in women to improve general health. Pap tests, breast exams, STD testing, pelvic exam, and family planning are the significant services in this examination. Schedule an appointment at LUNA MED SPA & WASHINGTON OB-GYN, P.A. for a well-woman exam to improve your overall health.