It is essential for women to have a well-woman exam as a precautionary step to staying healthy and preventing diseases before they progress to chronic stages. A well woman exam Dallas cuts across all ages and gives you a chance to be on top of your medical health.
What is a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam involves visiting your doctor and having a conversation that focuses on your physical, reproductive, and mental health. This checkup consists in asking questions and raising any health concerns or issues you may have recently. The exams may vary because every woman is different and may have other health issues to address. Thus the exam may depend on factors like age and medical history. Doctors recommend that women start these regular exams at the start of puberty. You may have a routine physical exam at puberty, including weight, height, and blood pressure.
What does a well-woman exam involve?
You may have a series of health concerns that your doctor may address through different exams. These exams may consist of:
- Physical exam
Your doctor may carry out this exam to check your general health. Such may include checking your weight, height, blood pressure, eyes, ears, nose, and throat, and testing your reflexes. A physical exam contains your body’s performance and is a way of ensuring you stay healthy. This routine checkup may be a preventive measure if your doctor detects a condition early enough.
- Breast exam
Your doctor may check your breast for any signs of a lump. This test is essential in detecting any breast cancer signs early enough. You may also have to test if your breasts don’t feel and look healthy. You can also do a self-test breast exam and report to your doctor if you find anything unusual.
- Family planning
Your doctor may talk to you about contraception methods during one of your well-woman visits. There are many contraception methods, including intrauterine devices, birth implants, oral contraceptives, and condoms. Depending on your goals and lifestyle, your doctor may review your medical history before choosing an effective contraception method.
- Pelvic exams
You may have to go for regular pelvic exams to check the health of your vagina, cervix, vulva, ovaries, and uterus. This test is also known as the Pap test and is painless and only lasts a short time. Your doctor may do an external examination of your vulva and vagina for any warts, cysts, and abnormal discharges. Your doctor may also use a speculum tool to check your cervix. This test is vital in detecting any cancers in your cervix. Another pelvic exam your doctor may perform may be a bimanual test that checks your uterus. This exam is essential if you are of your reproductive age and are sexually active.
You may need a well-woman exam if you wish to protect your health. You can ask all the questions you may have during the exams.
If you have any concerns about your reproductive health, visit JAM Wellness Clinics or request your appointment online.
