As the name suggests, a well-woman exam keeps you in an optimal state of well-being and enables your OB/GYN to detect any abnormalities that could affect your health. Whether you're due for a checkup or haven't been for one before, Jhonathan Duarte, MD, and Vicente Gari, MD, of Miami Women's Health Associates in Miami, Florida, welcome you. They provide comprehensive well-woman exams to teens and adult women of all ages. To find out more, call their Coconut Grove office or book your well-woman exam online today.
Well-woman exams are an important way to safeguard your health by identifying the early signs of disease. Miami Women's Health Associates customizes your well-woman exam to suit your individual needs, but there are some standard components. These include:
An internal exam where your OB/GYN can check the health of your vagina and cervix.
During your pelvic exam, your OB/GYN takes a sample of cells from your cervix. These go for lab testing to identify any cell changes that could be a sign of cervical cancer.
Your OB/GYN examines your breasts to look for any lumps or other abnormalities.
High blood pressure can cause severe health problems and lead to potentially life-threatening heart attacks and strokes but causes no obvious symptoms.
BMI is a guide to whether you’re at a healthy weight.
Birth control gives you the ability to choose if and when to have children.
Many STDs cause few or no symptoms but cause long-term health problems such as infertility.
Most importantly, your well-woman exam is one-on-one time with your OB/GYN, where you can discuss any health concerns you have, including sexual dysfunction and menstrual problems.
Miami Women's Health Associates encourages an annual well-woman exam schedule.
Diseases like cervical cancer can develop gradually over several years, so it's critical to undergo preventive screenings on a regular basis. Having an annual well-woman exam gives your OB/GYN the opportunity to take action early on if they find any abnormalities.
Adolescents should start having well-woman exams every year from their first period. However, teens don't usually need a pelvic exam or Pap test until they're over 18.
There are some simple ways you can prepare for your well-woman exam to ensure you get the most out of it. One important consideration is to make sure you don't book a Pap smear when your period is due.
Miami Women's Health Associates also recommends that you make a list of your current prescriptions, any supplements you take, and over-the-counter drugs you use. For the two days before your well-woman exam, avoid having sex, douching, or wearing tampons.
If you have any concerns, questions, or symptoms you want to discuss with your OB/GYN, write these down, as it's easy to forget them during your appointment.
Book your well-woman exam at Miami Women's Health Associates by phone or use the online form today to schedule a consultation.
