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
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.
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.
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.
