Dr. Kyle Scarborough asserts that prior preparation before your initial well-woman visit can help you know your expectations during the treatment, easing your anxiety on the big day. Well-woman assessments are vital in preventive health and detecting ailments before they advance. Unfortunately, a woman’s busy schedule and the responsibilities she has to handle may make it challenging for her to track her reproductive wellness. As a result, women end up battling health conditions they could have managed in their early stages.
What should you expect during the assessment?
A well-woman exam gives you the chance to concentrate on general wellness. Your primary goals for the treatment include setting your health goals, getting physical assessments, and evaluating your habits. Since the treatment starts like any other appointment, your healthcare provider will inquire about your health and family history, medications you might be taking, and other general information. The medical professional might also ask you personal questions, including whether you are sexually active, your menstrual cycle, and your pregnancy record. The main areas of care during your visit include:
- Breast exam
The test helps the medical provider detect the possible existence of lumps in your breasts. During the exam, the gynecologist will look for irregularities in your breasts and direct you to conduct a self-test which he will expect you to do at least once every month.
- Pap smear
The cervical cancer screening test prompts your gynecologist to scrap tissue samples from your cervix. Though the test is not painful, you might feel mild pinching when the medical expert scoops the sample. Your gynecologist will most likely suggest annual Pap tests if you are above 21 years or sexually active.
- Pelvic assessment
The exam can be dreadful, especially if it is your first well-woman visit. However, the extensive series of evaluations will help your gynecologist check for sexually transmitted infections, early cancer signs, and other health concerns on your pelvic floor. The medical professional will ask you to lie flat on your back with your legs resting during the exam. The gynecologist will then check areas around your vagina for swellings, redness, discharge, irritation, and the possible existence of other health concerns. Your physician will also insert his fingers through your vagina to check the size and position of your cervix, uterus, and ovaries.
- Physical exam
The examination is similar to what your general practitioner does when you go for treatment. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and any other current issues you might have. He will then take your vital symptoms, including reflexes, heartbeat, lungs, abdomen, head, and neck.
Why are well-woman visits important?
Feeling anxious about your first well-woman visit is common. However, the anxiety should not prevent you from contacting your gynecologist for an evaluation. The annual appointments are crucial, especially if you are sexually active. They act as your line of defense, mainly with reproductive system diseases like cervical cancer and STIs.
A well-woman exam can make you feel nervous, mainly because you do not know what to expect from the appointment. Contact your gynecologist and schedule an appointment to tell of possible irregularities in your reproductive system likely to affect your overall wellness.