Annual gynecologic wellness exams are one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent future health problems. People can schedule a wellness exam in addition to their annual physical.
You may wonder, “What is a gynecologic wellness exam? And do I need one?” Here’s a look at this important exam, what it involves, and who should get one.
What Is a Gynecologic Wellness Exam?
A wellness exam focuses on gynecological and reproductive health. You may have this exam with a gynecologist or ob-gyn, doctors who specialize in reproductive health. Many primary care physicians (PCPs) also offer wellness exams as part of an annual wellness physical.
This exam may include:
- Blood tests to check your blood cells, iron, blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid hormone levels, and other health markers.
- A clinical breast exam to feel your breasts for any lumps or look for signs of breast cancer.
- Immunization updates.
- A Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer and a human papillomavirus (HPV) screening.
- A pelvic exam to check the health of your reproductive organs, including your vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. This may include screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- A physical exam, which includes measuring your height, weight, and blood pressure. Your doctor may also listen to your heart and lungs and check your ears, nose, throat, and neck.
- A review of your medical and reproductive history. Your health care provider will ask about your family history, health problems, previous pregnancies, and periods. They’ll also discuss your family planning goals and review birth control options.
Doctors recommend having a wellness exam every year, even if you feel fine and don’t have any specific health concerns. Depending on your age, health, and screening guidelines, you may not need all parts of this exam every year. Your doctor may also recommend some tests more often if you have certain risk factors, like a family history of breast cancer.
A gynecologic wellness exam is essential if you’re of reproductive age so you can discuss pregnancy planning or birth control. Your doctor can also provide information and education about sexually transmitted diseases.
This exam allows you and your doctor to discuss your diet, lifestyle, and habits that may affect your health. A gynecologic wellness exam aims to keep you as healthy as possible, focusing on your reproductive health.
Person’s Health by Age
Your health needs and the risk of certain health problems change throughout your life. Therefore, a gynecologic wellness exam differs for young, middle-aged, and older adults.
Younger adults
All persons of reproductive age need family planning counseling with ongoing conversations about birth control options. However, other screening tests vary by age:
- Persons under 21 should have a complete physical exam and an update of immunizations as needed. Those who are sexually active may get a pelvic exam and screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- For adults over age 21, a gynecologic wellness exam usually includes a pelvic exam to check the health of your reproductive organs. During this exam, your doctor can do a Pap smear and HPV testing.
- Adults over 25 should also have an annual clinical breast exam. Your doctor can refer you for mammogram screening starting at age 40 or earlier if indicated because of symptoms or high risk.
Middle-aged adults
For middle-aged adults, gynecologic wellness exams will include conversations about menopause. It covers what to expect, how to prepare, and how to navigate menopause symptoms and the changes in your body. Your doctor may recommend screening tests for health problems that become more common in midlife, such as:
- Cholesterol and heart health screenings.
- A colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.
- Diabetes screenings.
Older adults
After age 65, you should still have an annual gynecologic wellness exam. But you may not need Pap smears if you’ve had three or more normal results in a row and no cervical cancer. You should still have clinical breast exams and regular mammograms until age 75.
Your doctor may also recommend bone density scans starting at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis.
Gynecologic Wellness vs. Annual Physical Exam
There’s some overlap between the gynecologic wellness exam and a regular annual physical with your primary care physician. You may wonder if you need both or if a yearly physical is enough. The two exams are different, so having both lets you cover all your bases.
An annual comprehensive physical exam focuses on general health and preventing chronic diseases like:
- Cancer.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Kidney disease.
The gynecologic wellness exam focuses more on reproductive health and related issues. These might include:
- Birth control options.
- Breast concerns.
- Cancer screening if you have a family history of breast or reproductive cancers.
- Intimacy and healthy sexual relationships.
- Menopause care and symptom management.
- Menstrual concerns or questions.
- Prepregnancy and infertility counseling.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Urinary tract problems or incontinence.
Some people feel more comfortable talking to a gynecologist or ob-gyn about some or all of these issues. Whether you see a specialist or your PCP is up to you. The important thing is to have a gynecologic wellness exam annually.
How to Prepare for a Gynecologic Wellness Exam
Ask your health care provider which tests you’ll take at your gynecologic wellness exam and whether they have any special instructions to prepare. You may need to fast for at least eight hours if you take certain blood tests. And they may ask you to abstain from vaginal intercourse for a few days before a Pap smear.
Another good way to prepare for any wellness exam is to make a list of questions or concerns to discuss. Learning your family’s health history so you can share it with your doctor is also helpful. Let them know if a parent or sibling has had breast or reproductive cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or other significant health problems.
A big part of wellness is identifying and reducing your risk. Partnering with your health care team for an annual gynecologic wellness exam and physical is the best way to protect your health now and in the future.
Sources
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Well-Woman Visit. Link
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. What Happens at an Ob-Gyn Checkup and Why? One Doctor Explains. Link
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Cervical Cancer Screening. Link
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems. Link