What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your overall health and wellness with a special focus on your reproductive organs. 

The purpose of the well-woman exam is to assess your current health and prevent future health problems.

Your well-woman exam also gives you and your provider at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., an opportunity to get to know each other. The more you know and trust your provider, the more likely you are to share your health concerns.

An open and trusting patient-health provider relationship ultimately leads to better care and better health. 

What happens during the well-woman exam?

The specifics of your well-woman exam depend on your age and health needs. 

In general, your provider at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., may first spend time talking to you about your health concerns. Then, they review your gynecological, sexual, and medical history.

Your provider performs a physical and pelvic exam. They may also request various health screenings based on your age and health risks.

After your exam, your provider spends time talking to you about their findings. They also provide recommendations to maintain or improve your health, such as vaccinations to protect against infectious diseases like human papillomavirus (HPV). 

Depending on your family planning needs, your provider may also talk to you about your birth control options during your well-woman exam. 

What tests do I need during a well-woman exam?

The tests you need during your well-woman exam may depend on your age, personal medical history, and family history. Common well-woman health screening tests include:

• Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Pap smear
• HPV test
• Glucose test
• Blood lipid profile
• Mammogram
• Bone density test
• Colonoscopy

For your convenience, Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., performs many of the health screenings at the office. 

Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., is a certified breast-care center. They offer 3D mammography screening and diagnostic mammography. 

What if my well-woman exam reveals health problems?

If your provider finds a health problem during your well-woman exam, then they may recommend additional testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

This may include ultrasound testing to find the underlying cause of your pelvic pain or a colposcopy to better understand the cause of your abnormal Pap smear results. They also perform breast biopsies if your screening found abnormal lumps. 

To schedule your well-woman exam at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., call the office nearest you or book online today.