Scheduling your annual wellness exam is essential to preventing major health issues from arising. However, nearly half of women skip preventative healthcare services each year. There are many reasons someone might not be able to attend these types of appointments, but they shouldn’t let fear of the unknown be one of them.
This blog will go over our annual wellness exam checklist. Know what your doctor will look for during your upcoming wellness visit so you know what to expect.
Physical Examination
Your wellness exam will begin with a physical examination and an overall health check. They’ll ask you questions about your:
- Medical history
- Diet
- Alcohol use
- Sexual history
- Exercise
These questions might be asked by your doctor or their medical assistant. Your vital signs will also be documented and this includes your:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Respiratory rate
- Temperature
Your doctor will also gather information about your general appearance by talking to you and watching your movements.
Pelvic Exam
Pelvic exams are one of the most dreaded, but essential parts of any women’s health exam. The pelvic exam helps your doctor identify signs of:
- Inflammation
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Cancer
During this part of the exam, your doctor will have you lie down and elevate your feet on stirrups. They’ll examine your vagina for some of the following things:
- Redness
- Discharge
- Irritation
Your medical provider will use their fingers to determine the position and size of your vagina, ovaries, and uterus. They’ll press down on your abdomen with their other hand.
Pap Smear
You no longer need to get a pap smear each year. Most women only need to get a pap smear every three years if their results are normal. You might need them more often if you have abnormal results.
The goal of pap smears is to detect signs of cervical cancer. Your doctor will use a swab or brush to scrape tissue cells from your cervix. Many women experience pressure or a pinch during this process.
Breast Exam
Your healthcare provider will perform a manual breast exam during your wellness checkup. They might want to schedule a mammogram based on your age and risk factors.
Your doctor will ask you to raise one of your arms above your head while they examine the breast on that side. This exam should be pain-free. The doctor will massage your breast using circular movements as they feel for cysts or lumps.
Be Prepared With Our Annual Wellness Exam Checklist
We hope our annual wellness exam checklist gives you a better idea of what to expect from your regular exams. Our staff understands that coming into the doctor’s office can be scary and intimidating. We will do everything we can to ensure you feel comfortable while receiving exceptional care.
The healthcare providers at Women’s Health Associates in Boise and Meridian are here to provide you with caring and compassionate care. We offer comprehensive women’s health services, including mammograms and wellness exams. Contact our Boise and Meridian locations to schedule an appointment.
