What Is Well Woman Care?
Well-woman care is a form of preventative medicine. It’s a branch of obstetrics and gynecology that helps ensure women are healthy through routine exams. The exams check the health of a woman’s reproductive system, including both the vagina and breasts.
During an exam, a doctor has an opportunity to:
- identify potential health risks
- diagnose present health issues
- recommend treatment for any issues that are discovered
- assess the general health of a woman’s reproductive system
- educate women on how to care for their bodies
Women, of course, can ask any questions and mention any concerns they have.
What Is a Well Woman Care Appointment Like?
A well woman care appointment focuses primarily on a woman’s reproductive system.
An appointment usually begins with taking vital signs, a medical history, discussing contraception, and a family history. After that, the healthcare provider will sit down with the patient and discuss the health of their reproductive system. The provider will typically perform an exam. Most exams have three parts:
- examining the breasts
- examining the female genitalia and pelvic area
- performing a Pap smear
(The exact components of a particular exam may differ slightly, depending on the women’s age, sexual activity, health and other factors.) The entire appointment is relatively quick. Usually, it takes just a few minutes, and women can be on their way immediately afterward.
Who Should See a Medical Provider for Well Woman Care?
All women who have gone through puberty should see a medical provider for well woman care regularly. It’s an effective form of preventative medicine and one of the most important aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care. Women are advised to see a provider once each year, although some providers have slightly different recommendations as to how often they should come in for well woman care.
