Have you ever taken a well-woman exam? If not, then the thought of going for your first one may be tiring enough, especially if you need to figure out what to expect. A well woman exam San Antonio centers on the health of your reproductive organs, including your breasts. The exam allows your doctor to check for abnormalities in your reproductive health. Your doctor will perform different exams to assess your health, and if you are showing early symptoms of a disease, you can get further treatment to prevent future health complications. Here are the tests you should expect during your exam.
Physical Exam
Your session will begin with a regular physical exam to check your vital signs. Your doctor will check your weight and height, take your pulse, and measure your blood pressure and heart rate. You may also need to give a urine sample to your doctor for testing. Your doctor will review your medical and family history and note any changes since your previous health assessment. You may have to answer questions on your medications, allergies, last period, sexual wellness, and previous surgeries. During this time, you can ask your doctor about concerns relating to your sexual health, birth control, family planning, and nutritional advice.
Pelvic Exam
Next, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to evaluate your reproductive organs. You may need the exam if you are experiencing unusual symptoms like pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal discharge. Your doctor performs a pelvic exam to detect any possible indications of ovarian cysts, fibroids, and early-stage cancer. You may also undergo a pelvic exam as a routine procedure during pregnancy. During the exam, your doctor will insert a speculum through your vagina. You may feel uncomfortable pressure during this step.
Pap Test
Your doctor will recommend this procedure to check for cervical cancer during your well-exam. Detecting cervical cancer early enough allows you to get early treatment. Also, a pap test will help your doctor identify any precancerous cells that may develop into cancer. Usually, your doctor performs this test during your pelvic exam. Therefore, your doctor will complete the pelvic exam and then use a soft brush to collect a sample of your cervical cells. The sample cells will go into the laboratory for further testing and indications of cancer and precancerous existence.
Breast Exam
Lastly, you will undergo a breast exam so your doctor can detect any changes to your breast that may indicate an underlying condition like breast cancer. You will lie down with your arm above your head, and your doctor will use their fingertips to check for abnormal lumps. Your doctor may perform a biopsy in case of lumps to determine if they are cancerous.
Getting a well-woman exam is a good way to catch early signs of diseases like cancer and treat them to prevent future health problems. The process may seem daunting initially, but you can trust your doctor to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. During this session, your doctor will take you through the procedures, including pelvic exams, Pap tests, and breast exams. Since vital signs are important to your overall health, your doctor will also check that. You can use a well-woman exam to raise concerns about unusual symptoms you have been experiencing lately.