OBGYN

A well‑woman exam, also called an annual well‑woman visit, is a preventive appointment focused on your overall health and well‑being. Unlike a general physical, this visit is designed specifically for women and helps support healthy living, reduce health risks and identify recommended screenings early.

During the exam, your provider will review your medical, gynecologic and family history. This helps decide whether breast or pelvic exams are needed and supports shared decisions about your care. You’ll also have time to talk about your reproductive health, so guidance and recommendations align with your personal goals. Well‑woman exams are important at every stage of life, including perimenopause and postmenopause.

A well‑woman exam includes preventive screenings and evaluations based on your age, health history and individual needs. Your visit may include:

• Health history review to discuss overall health, past conditions, symptoms and concerns
• Basic physical exam, such as checking height, weight and blood pressure and possibly a breast exam
• Pelvic exam, which may include a Pap smear or HPV test, depending on age and guidelines
• Screening tests, such as STI screenings, blood tests or cancer screenings like mammograms or bone density tests
• Counseling on healthy lifestyle habits, contraception, family planning and other health topics
• Immunizations, updated as needed based on age, history and risk factors

Regular well‑woman exams play an important role in maintaining health, preventing disease and managing ongoing conditions throughout a woman’s life.

Girls and women are encouraged to start seeing a gynecologist for annual well‑woman visits around the ages of 13 to 15. These visits are an important part of preventive care and help catch potential concerns early.

Consider seeing a gynecologist if you experience symptoms such as pelvic pain, missed periods or abnormal bleeding. Early screening can help identify issues before they become more serious.

From routine preventive screenings to advanced procedures such as laparoscopy or hysterectomy, gynecologists provide care that supports women’s reproductive health throughout every stage of life.

No two pregnancies are the same. Schedule at least one appointment with your OBGYN doctor during your first 12 weeks of pregnancy or when you find out you're pregnant. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need to see your OBGYN doctor more often and have additional tests.

Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy and birth. Call your OBGYN doctor immediately if you have or experience any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Sudden or extreme swelling of your face or fingers
• Headaches that are severe or won't go away
• Nausea and vomiting that won't go away
• Dizziness
• Dim or blurry vision
• Severe pain or cramps in your lower abdomen
• Chills or fever
• A change in your baby's movements
• Less urine or burning when you urinate
• An illness or infection
• Physical or severe emotional trauma
• Ruptured membrane (or when your water breaks)
• If you are in the last half of your pregnancy and notice the baby is moving less or not at all
• Any other symptoms that bother you

Other reasons you may need to see your OBGYN doctor for consultation include:

• If you take medicines for diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures, depression, high blood pressure or any other medical condition.
• If you are not getting prenatal care.
• If you cannot manage common pregnancy complaints without medicines.
• If you might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, chemicals, radiation or unusual pollutants.