Annual Well Woman Exam Specialist

Why is it important to schedule a well-woman exam?

Most women lead incredibly busy lives. They balance work and family obligations, often setting aside their own needs to care for the needs of others.

A well-woman exam is a time to focus on your health and wellness. It is an opportunity to ask Dr. Krol about any health concerns that you may have, including those that fall outside the scope of women’s care.

A well-woman exam also includes essential health screenings. Very often, early detection of illness is the best way to create an effective treatment plan.

Here are some standard screenings that are available during a well-woman exam:

• Pap smear
• Pelvic exam
• STD testings
• Mammogram
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Bone density

Your screening needs depend on your age, overall health, and the presence of any risk factors. You and Dr. Krol can discuss the need for any additional screening.

What should I expect during a well-woman exam?

The exam begins with a discussion of your health history, your overall level of health, and any specific concerns that you have. Dr. Krol asks about your current birth control practices and ensures that you understand the full scope of your family planning options.

After answering any questions you have, Dr. Krol or a member of the team performs the examination portion of your visit. They take basic readings of your heart rate, blood pressure, weight, and other basic information.

A pelvic exam is an essential aspect of well-woman care and involves an external and internal examination of your genital area. It's a brief and painless process, and every effort is made to help you remain comfortable throughout.

A breast exam checks for the presence of any abnormalities in your breast tissue. If appropriate, a mammogram provides imaging of your breast tissue.

Immunizations also play a role in these exams. Some women can benefit from a vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus or HPV. This common sexually-transmitted disease is known to cause most cases of cervical cancer.

Additional screenings may follow, depending on your specific health needs.

How frequently should I come in for a well-woman exam?

There’s no firm rule on how often you should schedule a well-woman exam. Some women come in for an exam as part of their annual wellness plan. Others schedule well-woman visits every three years.

Dr. Krol can help you determine how frequently you should have a well-woman exam. If you're at an elevated risk of developing certain diseases, you might need to seek screening more frequently.

Any time that your needs change, you are welcome to come in for a well-woman exam. If you would like to alter your birth control method or feel that you need STD testing, reach out and schedule a visit that fits your busy schedule.