Well Woman Exam Specialist

Why do I need a well-woman exam?

Life is busy, and you have many responsibilities, so it’s tempting to put your health on the back burner and skip your annual well-woman exam, especially if you feel healthy. 

However, you should make time for your well-woman visit. It’s not only an excellent opportunity to check in on your health and well-being, but you can also have preventive health screenings that could save your life. 

Many women’s health issues don’t cause problems in their early stages. Health screenings like Pap smears, breast exams, and blood pressure checks are critical to early diagnosis — and treatment. 

In many cases, when health issues are diagnosed early, Dr. Grier can provide treatment to restore your health before you experience any disruptive symptoms.

Adolescent girls benefit from well-woman exams, as they can build a relationship with Dr. Grier before they need Pap smears or pelvic exams. Dr. Grier provides a valuable resource for young women to learn about their bodies and get answers to questions they might not want to ask their friends or parents. 

What happens during a well-woman exam?

Your well-woman exam begins with a member of the team checking your height, weight, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation. Then you meet with Dr. Grier for the rest of your appointment. She reviews your medical history and any new changes or concerns. You can discuss your birth control options, family planning, or other health issues. 

Then, Dr. Grier performs a pelvic exam and Pap smear, if necessary. She also provides a breast exam. She can give a referral for a mammogram if you’re 40 or older or have an increased risk of breast cancer. 

At the end of your appointment, Dr. Grier can provide recommendations to enhance your health or discuss treatment plans for any health issues. 

How often do I need a Pap smear?

You should start to have Pap smears when you turn 21 or become sexually active. In general, you should have a Pap smear every three years, and after you turn 30, you can have a Pap smear every five years if it’s combined with a test for the human papillomavirus (HPV). 

However, if you have a personal or family history of cervical cancer or abnormal Pap smear results, Dr. Grier might recommend more frequent screenings. 

If you’re due for a well-woman exam, call Melissa Grier, MD Women’s Healthcare or book your appointment online today.