Well Woman Visits Specialist

What is a well woman visit?

A well woman visit provides women with services similar to a physical exam with a general practitioner, as well as some services geared specifically toward women. Unlike a “sick” visit when you visit the doctor for treatment of an active illness, a well visit is proactive care that screens for diseases and other medical conditions so you can stay as healthy as possible. Well visits help identify problems in their earliest and most treatable stages, and they also provide an opportunity for you to discuss any health-related concerns you may have.

What is included in a well woman visit?

Your visit will begin with a complete health history. The history will include not only your health but also the health of your parents or siblings, as well as a list of any medications and supplements you may be taking. Your height, weight and blood pressure will be measured, and the doctor will ask you about your menstrual cycle or, for older patients, menopausal symptoms. Contraceptive counseling may also be provided for sexually-active patients of child-bearing age. You'll also have a breast exam and you may have a pelvic exam and Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer and sexually-transmitted diseases. In some cases, Dr. Gumbs may order lab tests like blood work or a urinalysis to check for signs of disease.

How often should I have a well woman exam?

Having a well visit annually is the best way to check for changes that could indicate a developing disease and ensure you're doing all you can to stay as healthy as possible. And it's also the best way to make sure you get the answer you need for any questions or concerns you may have. Plus, seeing the doctor every year means you can learn about new studies that may offer important information about how to maximize your health.