Can I Have My Wellness Women’s Exam at An Urgent Care
Key Points
- Well-woman exams focus on both reproductive and general health. They’re essential for preventing health issues and tracking risks specific to women.
- Well-women exams typically include a breast exam, a pelvic exam, a pap test, HPV testing, routine blood work, and heart and lung assessment.
- Annual visits are recommended, but more frequent visits may be advised if you smoke or have other health risk factors.
- Emergency issues such as bleeding during pregnancy or a possible miscarriage should be treated in an ER.
What is a Well-Women Exam
A well-women exam is sometimes called a gynecological, pelvic, or annual exam. These wellness visits focus on your body and reproductive health. A well-woman exam goes beyond just checking your reproductive organs. It’s an essential part of preventive health care at any age. These visits help establish a baseline for your overall health and screen for risks affecting women. The National Library of Medicine notes that 38% of women deal with one or more chronic conditions, making these checkups even more important.
What Happens During a Wellness Visit?
What happens during your wellness visit depends on your age, sexual history, and medical background.
If you’re sexually active, you might discuss birth control or get tested for STDs.
Wellness visits also include specific screenings for cancer based on your age and health history:
- Ages 21 to 24: You can start getting Pap tests.
- Ages 25 to 65: You’ll have an HPV test (or a Pap and HPV test together) every 5 years.
- Ages 25 to 39: You’ll have a clinical breast exam every 1 to 3 years.
- Ages 40 to 50: You’ll have a yearly clinical breast exam and start getting mammograms every 1 to 2 years.
As you age or if your health changes, your wellness visits may include other tests. Talk to your doctor or nurse about which tests and exams are right for you.
Why Are Annual Physicals Important for Women’s Health?
Women’s annual physicals are important for monitoring changes in the body that could indicate underlying health issues. By visiting your healthcare provider regularly, you ensure that any health risks, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, are caught and managed before they become more serious.
At Doc-Aid Urgent Care, we offer the ability to not only test for STDs but offer treatment for any STDs and can prescribe birth control.
How Often Should Women Go for Physicals?
This is a common question we are often asked, and we understand everyone has different medical needs. Ideally, at Doc-Aid Urgent Care, we suggest you see your Primary Care Provider each year for a physical unless stated otherwise. If you smoke or have any health risk factors for certain conditions, your doctor may suggest you come in more often. If you don’t have a PCP, we are happy to provide you with the service.
We do not treat emergency cases such as bleeding during pregnancy or a possible miscarriage. In those instances, patients are advised to visit the nearest ER facility.
