A well-woman exam is a comprehensive checkup that includes health screenings, as well as an opportunity to get information and review your medical history, ask questions, and discuss any health concerns.
Our gynecologists and OB/GYN doctors at Memorial Women’s Specialists in Houston, Texas, generally recommend that you schedule a well-woman exam once a year.
However, you may need to schedule certain screenings and follow-up care more or less frequently depending on your health, family history, and family planning goals.
How often do I need a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is usually recommended once a year in most cases. However, if you have underlying health issues or concerns or need follow-up screening, our team may recommend scheduling additional appointments as needed.
The purpose of a well-woman exam is to provide preventive care, critical health screenings and tests, and to catch health risks as early as possible when they’re easiest to treat.
If it’s been more than a year since your last well-woman exam, or you’re experiencing symptoms, like pain or abnormal bleeding, contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
If you’re unsure when to schedule your next checkup, give us a call, and a member of our team can help you.
What to expect at your next well-woman exam
A typical well-woman exam includes a pelvic exam, a pap smear, and a breast exam. Depending on the results of your initial screenings and your health and medical history, you may need additional screenings and treatment.
You may not need to have a pap smear performed every year. If you’re sexually active, your well-woman exam will also include screenings for HPV (human papillomavirus) and sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
If you need or are taking birth control, you can also get information and refill or get a new prescription at your well-woman exam.
In addition to standard screenings and testing, your well-woman exam is a personalized experience where your reproductive health needs and concerns are addressed. As you age, your health needs change, and the frequency of certain exams and screenings usually increase, such as mammograms.
A yearly exam is generally recommended, but if you have any concerns or start experiencing new symptoms, schedule an appointment immediately. Symptoms like bleeding and pelvic pain can be signs of health issues and should be addressed as soon as possible.
For more information about what to expect at your next well-woman exam, contact us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist at our office in Houston.