We all want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to stay healthy as possible when it comes to health. Staying healthy includes making sure that we are getting the necessary screenings and exams regularly. One important exam for women is the well-woman exam. The exam will be performed by OB/GYN, Dr. Tamika K. Cross. To make sure you are on the safe side.
What Does a Well Woman Exam Consist Of?
A well-woman exam is one of the most important exams for women for several reasons. The purpose of this type of check-up is to listen to your overall health needs, evaluate your risk factors, look at family history, identify potential illnesses or diseases early on to be proactive about treatment, and provide preventative care. It is much easier to manage illness by preventing it instead of curing it.
A well-woman exam usually includes a pelvic exam, pap smear, breast exam, and sometimes a cholesterol check or other screenings. The pelvic exam is essential because it can help identify any potential uterus, ovaries, or vagina issues. The pap smear is also important as it can help screen for cervical cancer.
During a well-woman exam, the doctor will perform a physical exam that will include the following:
- Checking your blood pressure
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Examining your eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Checking your breasts and lymph nodes
- Palpating your abdomen
- Checking your pelvic area and rectum
- Performing a pap smear and pelvic exam
- Checking your muscles and bones for any abnormalities
Keep in mind that the extent of the exam varies from one woman to another. Some women get their well-woman exams annually, while others get them only every two or three years. The frequency of your well-woman exam should be based on your personal health history and risk factors.
Importance of a Well Woman Exam
The well-woman exam is also important because it can help identify issues in your family history that may increase your risk of certain diseases or illnesses. The health care professional will ask questions about your parents, siblings, and grandparents to determine if any hereditary conditions could affect you. For example, if you have a mother who has had breast cancer, there is an increased risk of this disease.
A well-woman exam is very valuable for the early detection of potential problems. Many women do not feel comfortable talking about their bodies or going through the necessary exams, which means issues could be caught later when they are harder to manage. A good healthcare professional will be able to put you at ease and make you feel comfortable so that you can get the most out of your visit.
So, is a well-woman exam worth it? The answer is definitely yes. This exam can help identify potential health problems early on so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from becoming worse. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.
