What is a gynecologist, and what do they do?

A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in treating female reproductive issues, according to St. George’s University. During a gynecological exam , your gynecologist or OB-GYN will perform a breast exam and pelvic exam, and talk to you about reproductive concerns related to birth control or fertility, reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What is a pelvic exam?

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), a pelvic exam is performed to check whether internal female organs are normal by examining and feeling their shape and size. During a pelvic exam, your provider will have you lie on a table and place your feet into stirrups, reports the NIH. Then, your doctor will use a device called a speculum to open your vagina and inspect the health of your female organs, including your cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus.

At what age should I have a well-woman exam?

Females can start having annual well-woman exams beginning at age 13 or after their first period. According to USC, women can continue receiving well-woman exams at least once a year for the rest of their lives, even after menopause .

Solv / Annual Wellness Exam /

Well Woman Exam Near Me

Own a clinic? Add your location.

Help patients book appointments with you on Solv. It's free!

Add location

We're still growing

We're working to add Annual Wellness Exam locations that meet your filter criteria. Be sure to check back soon!

Own a clinic? Add your location.

Help patients book appointments with you on Solv. It's free!

Add location

About Well Woman Exam

An annual well-woman exam is ideal for staying healthy throughout your life and preventing health problems that commonly affect females. Knowing what a well-woman exam entails can help you prepare for your appointment and feel more at ease with your doctor or OB-GYN.

What is a wellness visit?

A wellness visit, or wellness check, is an annual exam you have with your general practitioner or OB-GYN to discuss your personal health. These visits focus on preventive care and whole-person health and are usually separate from visits that address acute illnesses and injuries.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), a well-woman exam may include services like vaccines, cancer screenings, and educational sessions that help you make informed decisions about your health. They may also include gynecological services such as a pelvic exam, vaginal exam, and cervical exam.

What happens during a wellness visit?

All well-woman visits begin with a conversation between you and your provider, according to the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). This is an ideal time to bring up any concerns you may have about your health, such as new symptoms you’ve been experiencing or the status of ongoing health problems you may be dealing with. The University of Southern California (USC) mentions you may even have conversations around gender identity, body image, exercise, nutrition, family relationships, and incontinence.

You may also receive screenings for cancer and other diseases during a wellness visit. According to USC, exams may include screenings for hearing, vision, cervical cancer, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Diabetes, osteoporosis, and lung cancer are other screenings you may receive, especially if you are aged 65 and older, states USC.

Some providers may talk to you about your reproductive health. If you are thinking about having children, your OB-GYN may talk to you about prenatal vitamins and steps you can take to improve your fertility, reports USC. If you don’t want to conceive or are not interested in having children right now, your provider can discuss the pros and cons of different birth control methods and help you choose the best one for you.

OHSU notes that mental health is another important topic your doctor may cover at annual well-woman visits. You may be asked questions about your mood, such as whether you frequently experience irritability and mood swings. You may also undergo screenings for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, adds OHSU.

What kinds of questions will they ask me?

During a well-woman exam, your provider may ask you several probing questions to learn more about your overall physical, emotional, and mental health. According to the DHHS, this may include questions about your menstrual period, chronic health conditions, new symptoms, pregnancy, and current sexual activity level. You may also be asked about your drug and alcohol use and any medications you are currently taking.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

A well-woman exam is the perfect opportunity to ask your doctor about anything related to health. For instance, you may want to ask about the efficacy of certain diets or about new medications or treatments you recently heard about. Topics you can bring up may include birth control, menstrual irregularities, fertility concerns, vaginal discharge, and vaccinations, says the DHHS.

Well-woman exams are usually held one-on-one with your doctor, who should be someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to, recommends DHHS. Once you find the right doctor, you can feel more comfortable bringing up health-related questions or concerns that may seem awkward to you but that your doctor can shed more light on.

Will I need to have any tests?

Your doctor may recommend having certain tests if you mention any concerning symptoms such as irregular menstrual bleeding, vaginal itching, pain, or symptoms that indicate you may have an STI. You may also receive tests and screenings for various cancers, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and HPV.

Annual Wellness Exam FAQs

What is a gynecologist, and what do they do?
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in treating female reproductive issues, according to St. George’s University. During a gynecological exam, your gynecologist or OB-GYN will perform a breast exam and pelvic exam, and talk to you about reproductive concerns related to birth control or fertility, reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What is a pelvic exam?
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), a pelvic exam is performed to check whether internal female organs are normal by examining and feeling their shape and size. During a pelvic exam, your provider will have you lie on a table and place your feet into stirrups, reports the NIH. Then, your doctor will use a device called a speculum to open your vagina and inspect the health of your female organs, including your cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus.
At what age should I have a well-woman exam?
Females can start having annual well-woman exams beginning at age 13 or after their first period. According to USC, women can continue receiving well-woman exams at least once a year for the rest of their lives, even after menopause.
What is a wellness check?
A wellness check is the same as a well-woman visit. During a wellness check, your doctor will talk to you about any health concerns you may have and perform tests and screenings that can help detect common female health issues, according to USC.
What is a speculum?
A speculum is a medical instrument your doctor or OB-GYN may use during a pelvic exam to see your female organs more clearly, reports the NLM. The instrument may be made from plastic or stainless steel and is shaped like a duck’s bill. During a pelvic or gynecological exam, your OB-GYN will insert the speculum into your vagina to open it slightly. This allows them to see your vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus.
Where can I find and book a well-woman exam?
The easiest and most convenient way to make a well-woman exam appointment is to use Solv. Solv features a directory of only the highest-rated health providers in your area and gives you the option of booking a same-day or next-day appointment directly from its website. Use Solv to find and book a well-woman exam, or to locate providers who offer a pregnancy test, gynecological exam, or pelvic exam.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD

Updated on Mar 25, 2024

Sources

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.