What is a Well Woman Exam & Why is it Important?
Let’s face it, as a woman you already know a lot about your body and what you need to do to take care of it. Your Well Woman exam is an annual visit with your healthcare provider. It’s part discussion and part physical exam. It also involves any testing, counseling, or immunizations required depending on your age, lifestyle, and medical history. Your Well Woman exam is all about you, and because your health is your wealth, routine screening exams are the cornerstone of taking care of your health.
Components of the Well Woman Visit
How often should I have a Well Woman exam? Once a year. Your Well Woman exam should include the following screenings and discussions:
- Screenings: Specific tests based on age and medical history.
- Discussion about family history: Reviewing health patterns in your family.
- Discussion about nutrition: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
According to the CDC, heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory disease are the leading causes of death among women. Routine exams help you feel more informed and empowered when speaking with your healthcare provider.
Cervical Cancer and HPV Testing
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis in the United States today. More than 13 million people are diagnosed with new HPV infections every year. It’s also the most prevalent STI: 42 million people have the virus, which is linked to cervical cancer. 95% of cervical cancers were detected by testing with Pap + HPV together. Pap + HPV together combines Pap testing with HPV testing, helping your healthcare provider determine whether you have human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most types of cervical cancer.
Women should be screened for cervical cancer until age 65. If you are 30-65 years old, Pap + HPV together is recommended. There are additional screening methodologies also recommended in this age group depending on updated screening guidelines.
Breast Health and Mammograms
At what age should I examine my breasts? All ages starting from adulthood. Regularly perform breast self-exams at home and begin annual clinical breast exams at age 20. At age 40, you should talk with your healthcare provider about getting a mammogram each year. You should also receive a yearly clinical breast examination and continue monthly self-exams. You should continue to receive a yearly mammogram and clinical breast examination if you are 65-74 years old, all while maintaining your monthly self-breast exams.
Preventative Screening Schedule
| Exam/Screening | Recommended Age | Frequency |
| Well Woman Exam | Adult Women | Once a year |
| Clinical Breast Exam | Age 20+ | Annual |
| Breast Self-Exam | Age 20+ | Monthly |
| Mammogram | Age 40+ | Every year |
| Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap + HPV) | Age 30 to 65 | Regularly until age 65 |