Well Woman Examinations

Kelsey-Seybold recommends a yearly preventive care gynecological visit. At the visit, we discuss your overall health and your specific gynecological concerns. Your trusted gynecologist is a resource for all your concerns. Though trained specifically for pelvic organ function and reproduction, they can help direct and address concerns ranging from mental health to weight management. Specific screens for gynecological cancers are discussed at your visit and individualized to match your risk level of certain conditions, like breast cancer and cervical cancer.

What we discuss at your visit

The wellness visit involves a review of your personal and family medical history. We address issues of your physical health and safety, such as your eating and exercise habits, and safety at home. We also address your mental health and screen for depression and anxiety.

Additionally, we discuss any specific concerns that you may have and answer questions you have about your health. We also talk about plans for future pregnancy and contraception.

The yearly visit addresses milestones of your gynecological health, such as menopause and healthy aging, as well as bone health and the risk of osteoporosis (a softening of bones with age).

Your sexual health and risks are also discussed to allow us to partner with you to create an individual plan of care.

Physical Examination

Typically, a physical examination is performed, which focuses on breast and pelvic care.

The pelvic examination involves a detailed inspection of the vulva, vagina, and cervix for issues. A deeper examination of the uterus and ovaries is often added to complete the evaluation of the pelvis. A pap test for cervical cancer screening is often done at this point, which is a gentle scraping of the cervix for a sample of the cells of the cervix.

A breast examination is typically performed to assess for areas of concern in the breasts.

Other examinations may be performed and are targeted to the concerns discussed during the visit.

As we develop a better understanding of the way cancer of the cervix develops over time, a Pap screening test may not be done at every yearly visit. The timing of the Pap screen and the screening for the virus that we now know causes cervical cancer, high-risk HPV, is individualized.

Your doctor will determine testing at your visit through a shared discussion of your history and your physical examination. This makes your yearly visit to the gynecologist all the more important to keep as a routine part of your ongoing health care.