The Role of Well-Woman Exams in Detecting Early Signs of Disease
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At Professionals for Women's Health, with locations in Columbus, Dublin, and Westerville, OH, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and thorough care to help women maintain optimal health. A well-woman exam is a cornerstone of preventive care for women, offering an opportunity to screen for potential problems, answer questions, and address personal concerns. During a well woman visit, our providers are able to assess a comprehensive range of health metrics that may point to early signs of cancer and other diseases or conditions, like hormone imbalance, osteoporosis, and others. Learn more about the benefits of well-woman exams and what to expect during your appointment here.
What is included in a well woman visit?
A well-woman exam typically includes a series of screenings and discussions tailored to your stage of life, medical history, and specific needs. Some of what's included in a well-woman exam may be:
Basic history and physical
Your provider will discuss your medical, sexual, and family history while performing a general physical exam. Weight, blood pressure, and other vitals will be checked to evaluate your overall health and identify concerns that may impact your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or hormone management.
Review of medications
Your provider will review medications or supplements you are taking to determine whether adjustments are needed and discuss refills as necessary.
Breast exam
A clinical breast exam involves manually checking for breast lumps or other abnormalities in the breast and armpit areas, with your arms in various positions.
Pelvic exam and Pap smear
During the well-woman visit annual pelvic exam, your provider will assess your reproductive organs for issues. A Pap test — or Pap smear — may be performed to screen for cervical cancer and other abnormalities.
Contraceptive counseling or family planning
For patients interested in birth control, your provider will discuss contraceptive options and help determine the ideal solution based on your needs and lifestyle.
Menopause and midlife counseling
If you are over 45 or experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, your provider can discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT), its risks and benefits, and lifestyle strategies to manage this transition.
Laboratory testing
Standard blood and urine tests may be performed to monitor for issues like infections, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances.
Are well-woman exams necessary?
Regular well-woman exams play a critical role in maintaining health and detecting potential issues early when they are often easier to treat, and patients experience better outcomes overall. These visits offer several key benefits, including:
- Screening for common health concerns, including early detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer
- Monitoring overall health, including blood pressure, weight, and hormone levels
- Providing personalized contraceptive and menopause counseling
- Offering a private and supportive space to discuss your questions and concerns
- Enabling follow-up care when issues are detected
For many women, a well-woman exam also provides peace of mind by ensuring their health is on track and that they have support throughout each stage of life.
Get the comprehensive care and peace of mind you deserve with an annual women's physical in Central Ohio
Well-woman care offers a critical opportunity to take control of your health and receive guidance tailored to your individual needs while also increasing your chances of early detection of breast cancer and many other women's health issues. Whether you're seeking answers about contraception, navigating menopause, or simply maintaining good health, our knowledgeable and empathetic team at Professionals for Women's Health is here to help.
Schedule your next well-woman exam today — at our convenient locations in Dublin, Westerville, or Columbus, OH — to ensure your health and wellness remain a top priority.