Most women do not see it necessary to see a physician if they are not ailing. Others are usually held up at school, work, or family responsibilities, which prevent them from making time to seek a doctor. But in reality, women should ensure they visit their physician once a year for an annual well-woman exam. Generally, women have special needs, so you are advised to visit your care provider for yearly exams. Therefore, if you are interested in starting your annual well-woman exam and do not know where to begin, Mina K. Sinacori, MD, MPH, FACOG, and other caregivers are here to your rescue. They provide thorough well-woman exams in all stages of life, starting from adolescence, menopause, and old age. Below is all you need to know concerning why the annual well-woman exams are essential.

Why are annual well-woman exams necessary?

There are various reasons why every woman should ensure they visit their care providers for annual well-woman exams. They are as follows:

•         It provides preventive care

The primary goal of annual well-woman exams is to help your care provider assess your state of health. Doing so helps him if you are healthy, ailing, or at risk of developing certain conditions. If you are healthy, your caregiver educates you on various ways or measures you can take to prevent you from suffering and getting sick. Your well-woman exam may include a physical examination, pelvic exam, and a conversation during which you are free to ask any question concerning your health. A pelvic exam includes checking for any abnormalities of your pelvic organs. Immunizations like the HPV vaccine and mammograms are also part of your preventive care.

•         Allow disease screening

Certain diagnostic tests are part of your exam to help screen for diseases. Some of these tests can be performed during your wellness exam appointment, while others may need you to see a specialist. Usually, there are many conditions that you can be tested for, but the test performed depends on your health history and age. A breast exam is commonly performed to help determine if you have breast cancer. Other tests that can be performed include screening for STDs or HPV.

•         Family planning

Your well-woman exam also involves discussing with your care provider concerning your family plans. Some women may be interested in having kids, while others do not want to. Therefore, depending on your reproductive plans, your caregiver may recommend family planning methods or advise you on how you can get ready for conception. When preparing for pregnancy, your care provider may recommend supplements or lifestyle modifications.

•         Counseling

Your wellness exam does not only involve checking your physical health but also evaluates your emotional, socio-economical, and security. Your care provider may inquire whether you have had significant changes in your life like the death of a loved one, unemployment, or divorce. Your caregiver may recommend exercises or diet modifications to help prevent certain diseases and stay healthy. If you have some mental concerns like depression, counseling is recommended to help you open up and recover.

An annual well-woman exam is essential to women of all ages because it has various advantages. Therefore, if you are interested in starting your well-woman exam, you can begin by consulting Memorial Women’s specialists today for more details.