The Importance of Your “Well Woman” Visit

A visit with your healthcare provider is an opportunity to discuss a broad range of sexual and reproductive health issues.

Your annual exam allows your healthcare provider to check your feminine organs.

To ensure they’re all in good health and promote overall well-being, the benefits of a “Well Woman” visit include:

Determining which preventive gynecologic exams are needed, such as a pap test.
Discussing potential signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer.
An annual breast exam by our physician to detect any lumps or abnormalities. This is another preventive step in fighting breast cancer.
Screenings for HPV and sexually transmitted diseases.

Your Doctor’s Visit

Envision your appointment as another step in taking charge of your body and your health. Your visit to the doctor is your time to talk and learn about your health. Patients have a role in their health care, just like doctors, nurses, and other caregivers.

Tips for Your Doctor’s Visit [PDF]

Find a Gynecologist

Gynecologic Checkups

Woman’s reminds you that the early detection of cancer can make a difference and ensure you keep enjoying what makes life worth living. As the area’s leading health provider for women, we offer an incredible team of cancer fighters and the highest quality care all wrapped in our famous “Woman’s Touch.”

To make sure you keep enjoying what’s important to you, schedule your annual GYN checkup that includes a complete “well woman” exam, because early detection could save your life. Regular pelvic exams including Pap tests are suggested. Woman's gynecologists offer this service in a comfortable, convenient location.

What	When	Why
Pap test and pelvic exam	Every 2 years from ages 21–30; every 3 years for women age 30 and older who have had three consecutive normal Pap tests. Screening may be stopped at age 65 or 70 for women who have three or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal test results in 10 years. Women who have had their cervix and uterus removed may also stop having cervical cancer screenings, unless the surgery was done as treatment for cervical cancer or pre-cancer.	To screen for abnormalities that could indicate pre- or early cervical cancer.
HPV test	Every 2–3 years along with Pap test starting at age 30 (and in younger women with inconclusive Pap tests).	Helps identify women at risk for developing cervical cancer.
Chlamydia test	Yearly until age 25 if sexually active; for age 26 and older, get the test if you have new or multiple sexual partners.	Prevents spread of chlamydia.
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening	All sexually active women and their partners should be tested for HIV and other STDs before starting sexual activity.	Prevents spread of HIV and other STDs, many of which can only be detected through testing.

Do I Need a Pap Test?

If you’re between the ages of 21 and 65, you should get a Pap test as part of your routine healthcare. This screening test checks cervical cells to make sure they’re healthy.

Pap Tests