The team at OC Women’s Care knows that Well Women Exams are the foundation for wellness, disease identification and management, as well as a key component to promoting a healthy life. Healthy living and early detection of disease can increase the length of your life as well as your quality of living. To ensure you are staying as healthy as possible, have a annual Well Woman Exam. This exam not only makes sure you are healthy, but also gives you a chance to speak with your OBGYN about any questions or concerns you may have about your feminine health.

The Well Woman Exam

The Well Woman Exam generally consists of a pelvic examination and a breast examination. The pelvic examination includes inspection of the external genitalia, a speculum examination of the vagina and cervix and a bimanual examination of the uterus, cervix, and adnexa. Depending on the woman’s age, it may also include a Pap smear.

Please note that the guidelines for Pap smears have changed during the recent years and even though annual exams are recommended on yearly basis, these exams may or may not include this test.

Experts recommend that women begin having yearly wellness visits starting between ages 13 and 15. The Well Woman Exam during adolescent years usually focuses on patient education rather than pelvic examination. These visits during adolescent years are crucial to form a bond between the patient and the OBGYN and address any issues that this age group may have. Pap smears are not indicated before the age of 21. Once a woman has become sexually active, it is important to begin and continue having annual wellness exams.

Another important part of the Women’s Wellness Exam is the clinical breast exam (CBE) performed by your OBGYN. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, CBEs are recommended every one to three years for women ages 20–39. Self Breast Exams are encouraged and recommended on a monthly basis, as well. It is also recommended that women age 40 and older have an annual CBE and annual mammograms. A mammogram can be conducted as a screening for breast cancer or as a diagnostic test for lumps or other symptoms.

Start the Year Off Right With a Well Woman Exam

Dr. Sedaghat and her team at OC Women’s Care are here to help women with their healthcare needs beginning with adolescence, through the reproductive and menopausal years to post-menopause. As experts in the field, the team at OC Women’s Care understands that a Well Woman Exam is an important part of a woman’s health care. We encourage every woman to see her gynecologist on a yearly basis. Routine gynecological care can help prevent disease and may be useful in the early detection of cancer. For those who are sexually active, a Well Woman Exam can ensure you are using the best form of contraception, or can make your pregnancy and childbirth easier. Start the New Year off right by scheduling your Well Woman Exam with Dr. Sedaghat today.