Women's health is a lifelong journey that requires proactive care, early detection, and informed decisions. One of the most essential components of maintaining good health is the annual wellness exam. These visits do more than just check off boxes—they are personalized assessments of your overall health, allowing your doctor to detect problems early and support long-term well-being.
At Fayetteville Internal Medicine, we believe every woman deserves access to comprehensive care that supports her physical, emotional, and reproductive health. In this article, we’ll explore what happens during a woman’s annual exam, why it’s so important, and how it can help you stay healthy at every age.
What Is a Women’s Annual Exam?
A women’s annual exam, sometimes called a well-woman visit, is a preventive health checkup focused specifically on a woman’s unique health needs. These exams are typically performed once a year and can vary based on age, medical history, and risk factors.
Key components of a women’s annual exam may include:
- Physical exam: General check-up to assess blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and overall health.
- Pelvic exam: Examination of the reproductive organs to check for abnormalities.
- Pap smear: Screening for cervical cancer, typically recommended every 3 years starting at age 21.
- Breast exam: Manual check for lumps or changes in breast tissue; mammograms may be recommended based on age or risk.
- Menstrual and reproductive health discussion: Review of menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, fertility, or menopause symptoms.
- Lifestyle counseling: Guidance on diet, exercise, mental health, and other lifestyle factors.
- Vaccinations and screenings: Depending on age and risk, your provider may recommend screenings for STIs, cholesterol, bone density, or diabetes.
Why Annual Exams Matter
Many women delay or skip their annual exams, especially if they feel healthy. However, these visits are not just about treating illness—they’re about preventing it. Regular exams allow healthcare providers to:
- Detect conditions early: Catching issues like cervical cancer, breast cancer, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems early improves outcomes.
- Monitor chronic conditions: Women with diabetes, hypertension, or hormonal imbalances benefit from regular monitoring.
- Update immunizations: Vaccines like the flu shot, HPV vaccine, and Tdap are essential at different stages of life.
- Discuss mental health: Depression, anxiety, and stress are common and often undiscussed. Annual exams provide a confidential space for support.
- Plan for life stages: Whether you're planning for pregnancy, managing menopause, or addressing perimenopausal changes, these exams help guide your decisions.
When Should You Start Getting Annual Exams?
Annual exams should begin in adolescence and continue throughout a woman’s life. Here’s a general timeline:
- Teens (13–18): Focus on education, menstrual health, and vaccinations.
- Young Adults (19–39): Pap smears begin at 21; discussions about birth control and STI testing are common.
- Middle Age (40–64): Mammograms typically start at 40; discussions around perimenopause and heart health increase.
- Seniors (65+): Continued screening for osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular health becomes key.
These stages are just a guide—your specific needs may vary, which is why personalized care is so important.
Building a Relationship with Your Provider
Your annual exam isn’t just about procedures—it’s about developing a trusted relationship with your healthcare provider. At Fayetteville Internal Medicine, our compassionate team takes the time to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and create a care plan that aligns with your goals and values.
A strong patient-provider relationship encourages open conversations about sensitive topics like sexual health, body image, mood changes, and more—allowing you to take charge of your well-being with confidence.
Women's Health Exams in Fayetteville, NC
At Fayetteville Internal Medicine, we are proud to provide comprehensive women’s health exams that empower women at every stage of life. Whether it’s your first wellness visit or your 30th, we’re here to support your health with compassion, privacy, and expert care.
Schedule your annual exam today and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident you.
