Well-woman exam: What’s included (and how often to have one)

Living your best life starts with a well-woman exam, a comprehensive annual check-up tailored to your personal health needs. At Ironwood Family Practice, we recommend all women ages 18 and over receive their well-woman exam annually.

Our focus on preventive care helps women in Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding areas catch potential health issues early, including breast cancer, cervical cancer and reproductive health concerns. We aim to build lasting relationships with each patient, so you will feel heard, supported and informed at each step.

If it’s been awhile since your last woman’s annual physical or if you’re new to North Idaho, reach out today to schedule an appointment.

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is essential for monitoring a woman’s overall health. Different from a sick visit, a well visit often includes a physical exam plus a complete gynecological checkup. By committing to annual wellness visits, you can stay on top of your health, practice prevention, and get advice on how to maximize your wellness at each phase of your life.

What happens during a wellness exam for women?

Everyone from teenagers to postmenopausal women will benefit from a yearly well-woman exam from our women’s health primary care specialists. Every exam will be unique based on your age and overall health status, but in general, most annual gynecological exams will include these five items:

1. Physical exam

We’ll begin by asking you about your current health status, including your family health history, any medications and supplements you take, and whether you’re experiencing any new health concerns.
Afterward, we’ll perform a full physical exam, assessing your height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and temperature. We’ll also check your head, neck, abdomen, reflexes and breathing rate, along with your vital signs. We may order blood work or a urine test to check key levels (such as blood sugar and cholesterol) and check for urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

2. Pelvic exam and pap test or HPV test

To check in on your gynecologic wellness, we will also perform a full pelvic exam. This will include visually examining the outer vagina and vulva area along with examining the uterus using gloved hands. Our goal is to look for any signs of cancer, STIs or causes of inflammation.

Additionally, we may perform a pap smear or human papillomavirus (HPV) test. During a pap test, a doctor will use a speculum to remove a small tissue sample from the cervix. The doctor will then send the sample to a lab to test for signs of cervical cancer or HPV, which is linked to cervical cancer. You will receive results within a few weeks. We recommend women have their first pap test at age 21. Your doctor will advise you on how often to repeat the test based on your risk factors.

3. Breast exam

If you’re between the ages of 25 – 40, your well-woman exam will include a physical breast exam, during which your provider will look for any lumps, bumps or other warning signs of breast cancer. We will also show you how to perform a self-breast exam, which women should do every month.

If you’re age 40 or over, your provider can also order a screening mammogram at your request. We follow American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines that recommend women receive an annual breast exam at age 25. We can also refer you for a mammogram, an X-ray image of your breasts, which women should have every 1-2 years after age 40.

4. Preventive health measures

Your provider may order additional preventive tests and screenings based on your age and health status. For example, if you’re fertile and sexually active, you may ask your provider to administer a pregnancy test. If you’re age 65 or older or at increased risk for bone-thinning conditions like osteoporosis or osteopenia, your provider may recommend a bone density screening (DEXA scan).

Additionally, your provider will check your immunization status and recommend vaccines or boosters that can help protect you against diseases. These may include the HPV vaccine (recommended for teens and young women up to age 26), a seasonal flu shot, or boosters for COVID-19, tetanus, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), and varicella (chickenpox). Women over 65 may also choose to receive a pneumonia vaccine or an RSV vaccine during a well-woman visit based on their risk factors.

5. Education and counseling

Throughout your exam, we encourage you to ask us any questions you might have about your health. You can ask our providers anything about fertility issues, birth control and family planning, weight management, fitness, sexual health, or menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. We’ll listen to your concerns and provide you with advice so you can make the best decisions possible.

Can I discuss mental health concerns during an annual wellness exam?

Yes. At Ironwood Family Practice, we understand that mental health is a major part of a woman’s well-being. We believe in a holistic approach to care. If you are experiencing any signs of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns, please mention it during your well-woman visit so we can direct you to the most appropriate resources.

When to schedule an annual gynecologic exam in North Idaho

You can schedule your well-woman exam at any time. If you still have regular menstrual periods, it’s ideal to schedule your pelvic exam for when you’re not on your cycle. However, if you are experiencing concerns during your period, then you should be seen during your cycle.

Why choose Ironwood Family Practice for your well-woman exam

Our team at Ironwood Family Practice in Coeur d’Alene specializes in preventive care and women’s health. We treat every patient with the same level and attention to care that we would want for our own family. Here, you’ll find: