There are many health conditions, including
certain cancers and sexually transmitted diseases, that don’t have obvious
symptoms, particularly in their earliest stages when they are most treatable. A
lot of women put off their annual well-woman
checkup because they have so many demands on their
time, but you will save time in the long run if we detect and treat a problem
early.
A survey conducted byZocDoc in 2015 showed that 80 percent of Americans
delay or skip preventative care, and that number increases to 93 percent when
surveying millennials. In 2016, a woman’s non-profit, Bright Pink, founded National Call Your
Doctor Day—observed this year on June 11—to encourage
young women to schedule their annual exam, a movement the providers at Women’s
Health Associates support.
During your annual
well-woman checkup, we will talk to you about your health in
general, as well as any specific concerns or symptoms you have. We’ll also perform
a pelvic exam to check for any changes or abnormalities, and every three years
or so, based on your medical history, perform a Pap smear and human papilloma virus
(HPV) test.
During a Pap smear and HPV test, we take a
sampling of cells from inside the cervix to check for abnormalities that could
indicate cervical cancer or HPV
infection, as well as signs of infection or inflammation.
The Office of Women’s
Health recommends that women between the ages of 21
and 65 have routine Pap smears every three years. Increased frequency may be
recommended for women who have had abnormal results in the past, who are HIV
positive or who have weakened immune systems.
We encourage our patients to schedule
well-woman checkups every year. In addition to helping us to detect and address
concerns early, these appointments allow us to get to know you better, provide
health counseling and answer questions you might not otherwise think to ask.
We want to be a resource to you across your
lifetime. If you haven’t had your annual well-woman exam or are overdue for a
Pap smear, we hope you’ll schedule your appointment today.
