What is a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is a checkup with your health care provider that focuses on your good health now — and in the future. During your visit, you and your provider at Eve Medical of Miami:
- Discuss your family medical history, lifestyle, family planning, and more
- Set health-conscious goals, such as quitting smoking or losing weight
- Talk about your mental health and stress in your life
- Discuss menopause and hormone replacement
- Schedule necessary screenings and preventive care exams
Your visit is an ideal time to talk about your concerns and ask questions of your provider. Get the most out of your appointment by bringing a list of your health concerns. That way, you won't forget any questions you might have.
What should I expect in a well-woman exam?
Your provider checks your vital signs and reviews your medical history. You have a physical exam, which may include:
- Pap test: to look for changes in the cells of your cervix
- Pelvic exam: to assess the health of your organs
- Breast exam: to check for abnormal growths
You typically learn the results of your Pap test in three weeks. Depending on your age, your provider may recommend a mammogram.
Your well-woman exam also might include screenings for:
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Cholesterol
- Colorectal cancer
- Osteoporosis
Screenings during your well-woman exam can identify diseases early when they're easier to treat.
What if I have an abnormal Pap smear?
An abnormal Pap test result doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. Most often, it’s a sign of a small problem with your cervix.
Your provider typically repeats your Pap test if your initial results were unclear or showed a small change in your cervical cells. If your results revealed more serious cellular changes, your provider suggests more powerful tests, including:
- Colposcopy: to see the cells of the vagina and cervix in detail
- Endocervical curettage: a cell sample taken from inside your cervix
- Biopsy: a small sample of cervical tissue tested in a lab
The results of these tests help your provider decide on the best treatment to safeguard your lasting health.
If it’s time for your well-woman exam, call Eve Medical of Miami today or book online.
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