Well Woman Exam

Well-woman exams are the foundation of women’s health and a need no woman should overlook. The team of women’s health specialists at NY Midtown OB/GYN strives to make these annual visits enjoyable and rewarding for women from midtown Manhattan in New York City and the town of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, New York. Book your next visit online or by phone today.  

What is a well-woman exam?

Well-woman exams are annual preventive health visits that women need from their late teens through menopause and beyond. These visits are the setting where you receive the screenings necessary for your age and overall health. 

They’re also an opportunity for you to discuss any areas of concern with your gynecologist and get science-backed advice on a variety of women’s health topics. Finding a women’s health practitioner genuinely invested in getting to know you and building a trusting bond is essential.  

What happens during well-woman exams?

The initial portion of your visit involves collecting routine information on your vital signs and other health measures. Expect a check of your height, weight, and blood pressure.

Your gynecologist reviews your health history and any current areas of concern. If you’ve noticed any changes since your last visit, be sure to let your gynecologist know. 

Your visit will include a breast exam to check for tissue abnormalities. A pelvic exam is usually part of the visit and gives your gynecologist the chance to visually assess your vaginal and cervical tissues for signs of disease. 

Pap smear testing may be part of your visit, depending on how long it’s been since your last Pap smear as well as your specific women’s health needs. As you relax on the treatment table or chair with your feet supported in stirrups, your gynecologist uses a special tool to gently separate your vaginal walls. 

A medical brush or spatula gathers a small sample of cells from your cervix for microscopic evaluation. Pap smear testing is a powerful screening tool for cervical cancer and allows for early detection and treatment. 

What topics can I discuss during my well-woman exam?

Communicating openly with your practitioner is the best way to make the most of well-woman care. No topic is off limits, and you should never feel self-conscious about bringing up any women’s health or sexual health issues. 

Some of the areas that you might choose to explore during your visit include:

• Birth control
• Fertility planning
• Abnormal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Painful sex
• Issues of sexual consent
• Cancer screening and prevention
• Sexually transmitted disease prevention, testing, and treatment
• Symptoms of menopause

Your gynecologist is here to provide information and guidance that help you live a healthy and fulfilling life. To book your next well-woman exam, call today or spend a few moments on the online booking page.