At the Community Women’s Centers, we believe wellness is comprehensive and includes physical, mental, and emotional health. The information on this page is here to inform you of a wellness exam each woman should have the opportunity to have.
Well-Women’s Exam
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends an annual visit for women focusing on the female reproductive system and sexual health. The general well woman exam will include breast exam, pelvic exam, and pap smear with lab testing.
If you have concerns about an STDs (Sexually Transmitted Disease) you should request this during your well woman exam. During your exam, you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding your sexual health with medical staff.
What is a breast exam?
The purpose of a breast exam is to detect breast cancer early. During this exam, a medical professional will examine the size and shape of your breasts and gently feel with their fingers for abnormalities in each breast, as well as the armpit area.
What is a pelvic exam?
The pelvic exam is the main element of the well women’s exam where a medical professional will examine the vulva, internal vagina, and reproductive organs. A medical professional will perform an external examination, checking the vulva and external opening of the vagina for any irritation, redness, or possible issues.
A medical professional will also perform an internal examination using an instrument called a speculum to check the vaginal walls and cervix.
It is important to know that this will not be painful, and the medical professional will talk you through each step of the pelvic exam.
What is a pap smear?
The purpose for a pap smear is to screen for cervical cancer or abnormal cervical cells; it is the last step of the pelvic exam. While the speculum is inserted during your pelvic exam, the medical professional will use a brush to gather a small sample of cervical cells and mucus to test. The pap smear is also a test for the HPV virus which is the most common sexually transmitted disease and cause of cervical cancer.
It is recommended that women begin getting pap smears by the age of 21 or when sexually active.
Menstrual Health
A regular menstrual cycle lasts anywhere between 24-38 days, with the period lasting between 2-7 days. It is widely accepted that the average woman loses 30-40 milliliters, or 2 to 3 tablespoons, of blood during a period. Be sure to discuss any irregular period symptoms including heavy periods, intense cramps, or constantly missed periods with your doctor.
Also, it can be helpful to use a period tracker app to track your period, know when you are ovulating, and note symptoms you experience throughout your cycle.
Emotional health
As a woman, it is common to struggle with mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Some women struggle with symptoms of depression particularly during hormonal changes including during or after pregnancy, around the time of their period, and during menopause. Know you are not alone in these struggles, and there are many ways to get help including professional counseling, support from friends and family, and finding healthy coping mechanisms.
What can you tell me about STI’s and STD’s?
The numbers of people diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection are increasing significantly. Many people who are sexually active may have an STI without realizing it, as STIs often don’t show obvious symptoms.
If you recently discovered you’re pregnant and worried about having an STI, your OB doctor will test you early in pregnancy. During your first prenatal visit, the healthcare provider will test you for HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and syphilis, and HPV. This is done to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby.
Learn more about STI’s, STD’s and treatment by clicking here.