What is Well-Woman Care?
Well-woman care is key to health management and disease detection and prevention throughout your life. The well-woman exam is a good time for your health care provider to screen you for potential reproductive health problems, answer your questions, and discuss your concerns. Professionals for Women's Health in Columbus, OH, is home to a talented team of OB/GYNs, nurse practitioners, midwives, and clinical nurse specialists, who are completely dedicated to ensuring our patients receive the best possible care.
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What Are the Benefits of Well-Woman Care?
Well-woman care includes one-on-one time with an experienced women’s health practitioner and an essential series of feminine health screenings that can help ensure continued health or uncover any concerns. Benefits of well-woman care conducted at Professionals for Women’s Health in Columbus, OH include:
- Performing screenings to monitor health and well-being, including those specific to feminine wellness
- Exams are performed by knowledgeable and empathetic practitioners who help women like you every day
- Ability to bring up your concerns and goals with our team in a private setting
- Follow-up care if any issues arise
Who Is a Candidate for Well-Woman Care?
Well-woman care is appropriate for any woman seeking to maintain her health and prevent disease. It typically includes a variety of health screenings and discussions that might cover reproductive health, family planning, and menopause. The exam is designed to catch potential health issues early and provides a space to discuss personal health questions and concerns with a healthcare provider. Generally, women are advised to consider having an annual well-woman exam, although the frequency might vary based on individual health needs and medical advice.
What Services Make Up a Well-Woman Exam?
The well-woman exam typically includes the following components:
Basic History and Physical: Patients will be asked a few questions about their sexual, medical, and family history before performing a very basic physical exam to check their overall health. It includes measurement of weight and blood pressure, as they can influence the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and contraceptive or hormone replacement choices.
Review of Medications: Your health care provider will analyze any current medications, herbs, and/or supplements you may be taking in order to discuss the need for any new or refilled medications.
Breast Exam: An inspection and pressing of your breasts and your armpits while your arms are in various positions.
Pelvic Exam with Pap Test: An examination of your reproductive organs for problems and signs of cervical cancer.
Contraceptive Counseling: A discussion regarding which, if any, contraceptives you wish to use.
Menopause and Mid-Life Counseling: If you are over age 45 or having perimenopausal symptoms, your health care provider should discuss the risks and benefits of your using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to restore the estrogen and progesterone that decrease toward menopause. They should also discuss lifestyle habits that affect the perimenopause transition period.
Laboratory Testing: Standard urine and blood screens may be performed.
Why is Well-Woman care Important?
Well-woman care is essential because it allows your health care provider to detect potential problems early before they become serious. It also gives women the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns about their reproductive health. Additionally, well-woman care can help you make informed decisions about contraception and menopause management. Professionals for Women's Health is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care no matter your age or stage in life.
What Should I Expect After Well-Woman Care?
After receiving well-woman care, you can generally expect a comprehensive update on your health status. The exam results might guide further medical advice or interventions, and you might receive personalized recommendations regarding lifestyle, diet, and preventative measures based on your specific health needs and risk factors. Additionally, follow-up appointments might be scheduled, if necessary, to monitor any health conditions or to continue discussions on topics such as family planning or menopausal management. Patients will also have the opportunity to discuss any personal health concerns or questions, ensuring they leave the appointment with a clear understanding of their reproductive health and wellness. Our team's commitment to compassionate and informed care ensures that every woman feels supported and empowered to take control of her health.
Well-woman care FAQs
What happens during a pelvic exam?
A pelvic exam is performed by a trained specialist at Professionals for Women's Health as part of a routine health screening. This exam includes checking the internal and external structures of a woman's reproductive organs using specialized instruments. A Pap smear is also performed to collect a sample of cells from the cervix, which is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
What kind of contraceptives should I use?
There are many different contraceptives available, including hormone-based birth control and intrauterine devices (IUDs). The kind of contraceptive that is best for you depends on factors like your health, age, sexual activity level, and whether you plan to become pregnant in the near future. Our staff can review these options in full during a consultation.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Women who have not had a period for 12 months may be experiencing menopause, which is marked by a decline in the production of estrogen and other hormones. Common symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness or itching. Each woman's experience with menopause is unique, so it is important to speak with our team in Columbus, OH, about any concerns.
How often should I schedule a well-woman exam?
It's generally recommended for adult women to schedule a well-woman exam annually. However, the frequency may vary depending on your age, health conditions, and specific needs. Regular well-woman exams allow our team at Professionals for Women's Health to monitor your health and detect any potential issues early. Your healthcare provider will discuss the best schedule for your individual circumstances during your visit.
Can I discuss sexual health and reproductive planning during a well-woman exam?
Yes, the well-woman exam is an excellent opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns about sexual health, fertility, family planning, or reproductive health. At Professionals for Women's Health, our team of OB/GYNs, nurse practitioners, midwives, and clinical nurse specialists provide a comfortable and private setting to openly discuss your needs and goals. Whether you are considering pregnancy, seeking information about contraception, or facing any sexual health concerns, we're here to provide personalized guidance and support.
What if I need follow-up care after my well-woman exam?
If any issues or concerns arise during your well-woman exam, our experienced team will discuss the findings with you and determine the appropriate follow-up care. This might include additional tests, treatments, counseling, or referrals to specialists. We're committed to providing comprehensive care and ensuring that you understand all available options. Your health and well-being are our priority, and we'll work closely with you to develop a tailored plan to address any specific needs. Feel free to contact our facility in Columbus, OH, to schedule your well-woman exam or discuss any follow-up care requirements.
Take Control of Your Feminine Health
Well-woman exams are one of many ways to ensure your body is functioning exactly the way it is supposed to work. At Professionals for Women's Health, we want each and every one of our patients to feel completely comfortable discussing any issues they may be having in order to ensure we can accurately and effectively treat them. Contact our facility in Columbus, OH, today to schedule your well-woman exam.
