Protect Your Health with Annual Women’s Wellness Exam

Published on: February 2, 2015

Preventative health is important for everyone, especially women. Above and beyond regular annual physical exams, woman have special concerns surrounding their reproductive health. Whether you are a young woman who needs birth control, are ready to start planning a family or are approaching menopause, women’s well exams should be a part of your annual health plan.

Importance of Annual Women’s Wellness Exams

For young women who have become sexually active or any woman over 21 years or age, it’s heavily recommended that you have annual wellness exams. These exams check for sexually transmitted diseases, abnormalities and are important in the early detection of breast or cervical cancers. During most wellness exams for women, the following procedures will be included:

  • Pap smear. A pap smear is used to check for a virus called HPV, which is a STD linked to genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities and cancer. In some cases, woman over 30 will only need a pap smear every 3 years, versus annually.
  • Pelvic exam. The exterior and interior of the pelvic and vaginal area are examined for any abnormalities.
  • Breast exam. A routine breast exam is usually performed to check for lumps within the breast tissue, which can be an early sign of breast cancer.

In addition to the above procedures, wellness exams are a good time to discuss birth control, pregnancy planning, PMS issues and the symptoms of menopause. As you grow older, your wellness exams can help you protect your reproductive health for each new stage in your life. Regular exams are the best way to ensure you stay healthy, and are aware of any potential health problems as soon as possible.

Posted on behalf of
Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.
699 Church Street #220
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 422-8505

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.