What Tests Are Included In A Well-Woman Exam?

With the virtually endless responsibilities of women and mothers today, we often put our own needs last. However, it is vitally important to monitor your physical and mental health regularly to ensure you have as long, healthy, and full life as possible. One of the most valuable tools for following your health is an annual well-woman exam. Board-certified family physician Dr. Priti Ranjan and the exceptional team at Nest Family Medicine are proud to offer female well-woman exams in Plano, TX to help patients keep a close eye on their health and well-being, identify issues early, and provide advanced and effective treatment when needed. Learn more about the importance of preventive care for women here, and find out which tests you can expect to have performed during your appointment.

Why is women’s health important?

Every person deserves to have a complete picture of his or her health in order to make decisions, plan ahead, and seek treatment appropriately. For women, in particular, tending to the needs of children and family often overshadows taking care of their own health. With the number of potential illnesses that can occur without symptoms, appear at an early age, and sometimes be life-threatening or fatal, annual female physical exams are tremendously valuable for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. Some of the most common conditions that may be detected during a routine annual women’s exam include:

• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Elevated cholesterol
• Thyroid disorder
• Pregnancy
• STD
• PCOS
• Endometriosis
• Other gynecological diseases

Because many of these conditions can develop suddenly and progress rapidly, early detection through regular examinations is critical for ensuring your best possible chance of effective treatment.

What happens during a well-woman exam?

During your annual well-women exam in Plano, TX, Dr. Ranjan will perform a thorough physical examination, discuss your current symptoms and concerns, and answer all of your questions in detail. Dr. Ranjan may also address any lifestyle-related concerns and discuss your emotional well-being as well to get a more complete picture of your overall health. Depending on your age, risk factors, concerns, and health history, Dr. Ranjan will likely perform and order a number of studies to ensure the most complete evaluation possible, including:

• Vital signs
• Labs or blood work
• Physical examination
• Pelvic examination
• Pap smear
• Breast exam
• Mammogram

When should I start getting a well-woman exam?

Women of every age can benefit greatly from routine well-woman exams each year. In fact, many women transition from their pediatrician to a primary care physician as soon as they turn 18 and begin having annual women’s health appointments. With that said, it is never too late to begin monitoring your health through an annual well-woman exam. Whether it has been two years or 22 years since your last doctor’s appointment, a well-woman exam can be highly beneficial and – in some cases – save your life.

Put your health and wellness first with a well-woman exam in Plano, TX

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it is easy for women to neglect their own health and put off doctors’ appointments. Unfortunately, this can have devastating consequences. Give yourself the best possible chance for a long, healthy life with regular well-woman exams with your primary care physician. If you are interested in family medicine for women in Plano, TX, we invite you to call the knowledgeable team at Nest Family Medicine to schedule your first appointment with board-certified family physician Dr. Priti Ranjan today. We look forward to giving you the personalized, cutting-edge, reliable care and monitoring you deserve!