Well woman exams are the foundation for wellness, health promotion and disease identification and management throughout your life. It is no secret that healthy living and early detection of disease increases not only your length of life but, more importantly, your quality of living.
The well woman exam (annual exam) is a yearly visit to your health care provider that is performed in four parts: health history, physical exam (including breast exam), pelvic exam and an assessment for other health problems. Laboratory testing (blood work), mammography, colonoscopy, bone density testing and/or other tests pertinent to your age and medical history may also be recommended at this time.
The well woman exam is also a good time to talk to your provider about “sensitive” subjects such as bladder control (leakage), structural or cosmetic issues (loosening of vaginal tissue, labial asymmetry) STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases), or sexual dysfunction or dissatisfaction. If you suffer from other concerns/problems such as pelvic pain, painful periods, irregular bleeding, hemorrhoids or infertility, this is a good time to talk about possible treatment options.
Who should have pap smears and when?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently released the following (2009) recommendations for pap smears (click here to view entire press release):
- Women should have their first screening Pap smear at age 21 unless the woman has had a previous abnormal Pap smear
- Women in their 20’s should have a Pap smear every two years (assuming prior Pap smears have been normal)
- Women age 30 and older who have had three consecutive normal Pap smears should have a Pap smear every three years
- Women who have had a hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons do not need a Pap smear unless they have a cervix
- These guidelines need to be followed whether you have or have not had the HPV vaccine
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that is responsible for genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities and, in some cases, cervical cancer. There are treatments available if HPV is detected, and often it clears up on its own).
After age 70, the American Cancer Society suggests that pap smears are no longer necessary. It is important to know that ACOG advises all women to continue yearly pelvic exams even though they may not need a pap smear.