Health Center: Family Planning: Well Woman Exams

A well-woman exam is a once-a-year visit to your Primary Care Provider for a general health check, including…

A breast exam
Pap smear
Test for sexually transmitted diseases and infections (if needed).

An annual exam visit does not include discussion of new problems or detailed review of chronic conditions. Annual exams are also called routine check-up, yearly exam, annual pap, or preventive visit. Annual well-woman exams can be scheduled at the Shawnee County Health Agency CHC in Primary Care or Family Planning.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women have their first annual well woman health exam within one year of onset of sexually activity or at the age of 21, which ever comes first. The Pap test is a screening test for abnormal cells that may become pre-cancerous cervical cells.

Besides routine check-ups or to obtain contraception, you should have an exam if you have any of the following symptoms:

Abnormal or heavy vaginal discharge that itches, burns, has an odor, or causes you discomfort
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Bleeding between periods, also known as spotting or break through bleeding
Painful intercourse
Menstrual cramps that cause you to miss school or work
Any signs of pregnancy
Side effects or problems from your birth control method
Breast pain, lump, or discharge from the nipple
Miss periods or have irregular menstrual cycles

Important: In order to ensure accurate results, we ask all women who are scheduled for a well woman exam to have nothing in the vagina at least 48 hours prior to the examination. This includes abstaining from intercourse, tampon use, creams, douching, etc. If you are actively bleeding or are on your menstrual period at the time of a scheduled well woman exam, we will ask that you reschedule your appointment. Before the exam, you should also empty your bladder.

Information from University of Washington Women’s Health and University of Pennsylvania Women’s Health Service.