Do I Need a Well-Woman Exam Every Year? 

Many women wonder about the best timing for their well-woman exams. Our team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom understands the importance of these preventive health visits, but we also know there is some misinformation out there about the timing for well-woman exams. 

We’re happy to serve as a trusted women’s health resource for residents of Folsom, California. Today, let’s turn our attention toward well-woman exams and how they fit into your ongoing health and wellness planning. 

Well-woman exams are a preventive health measure

Coming in for your well-woman exams serves many important functions. These are preventive health visits, intended to deliver the information and services you need at a specific point in your life journey. 

Here are some of the benefits of well-woman exams:

Screening/testing

One of the biggest benefits of well-woman exams is in the screening services delivered during these routine visits. 

Pap smear testing is a prime example because it identifies cervical cancer, even in the precancerous stage. Since Pap smear screening became widely available, the number of women who die each year from this form of cancer has dropped steeply. 

Breast exams help detect tissue abnormalities, and mammograms provide an “inside view” of your breast tissue to look for signs of breast cancer. 

Sexually transmitted disease prevention is also an essential part of women’s health. 

Family planning

Access to high-quality birth control is a right that every woman shares. Never before have there been so many options to choose from, and there really is a fit for every set of goals. 

Well-woman exams provide the opportunity to explore the pros and cons of various options and to try new forms of birth control. 

If you’re planning to add to your family, well-woman exams also provide information on how to prepare your body for pregnancy and enhance your fertility. If you encounter trouble while trying to conceive, infertility care can help you find a path to parenthood. 

Women’s health information

One of the most impactful benefits of well-woman exams is the opportunity to discuss women’s health topics with a trusted professional. There are no topics that are off-limits, and we encourage you to come in with a list of issues you’d like to explore. 

As you move through middle age and beyond, menopause changes become front-of-mind, and we can help you understand what to expect and how to respond. Young women often focus on the issue of sexual health and how to find connections that are both healthy and fulfilling. 

Teens can ask questions about puberty, menstruation, and consent within sexual relationships. No matter where you are in life, we can provide scientifically backed guidance and advice. 

Annual exams are best

We encourage all of the women in our care to come in for annual well-woman exams. 

The benefits outlined above are plenty of reasons to schedule an exam each year, but it’s also comforting to build a trusting bond with our team that you can rely on in the event of a serious women’s health issue. 

That said, not every woman needs to come in for annual visits. If you are healthy and have not had any abnormal findings on your women’s health screenings, you may be able to wait a longer period between office visits. 

For example, Pap smear testing was once the gold standard when it came to detecting cervical cancer. While Pap smears are still important, we also have access to HPV screening. Because HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer, knowing your status is important. 

If you’ve had negative test results on your recent Pap smear and HPV screenings and are otherwise healthy, you may not need to come see us every year. 

How do I know the right timing for my well-woman exams?

The best way to ensure you’re getting the care you need is by asking us about the timing that is best for you. 

We can review your personal medical history and discuss your current lifestyle and needs to determine how frequently you need to come in for preventive health visits. 

While we love welcoming you to Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom for annual exams, we also understand that not everyone has the same set of needs when it comes to scheduling medical visits. 

We’re here to help. If you want to explore alternative scheduling for your well-woman exams, just let us know during your next visit. You can always give us a call to schedule an appointment, and we also offer online booking.