When Should I Start Getting Well Woman Exams?

A woman’s health care has a major influence on her overall physical wellness and quality of life, which is why it is so important to receive well woman exams on a regular basis. 

The type of preventative care provided during every well woman exam addresses the most important health concerns for women, from gynecological care to bone density and everything in between. Here’s what you should know about when to start getting well woman exams and how to make the most of your personalized care. 

Get the Right Care for Your Age

Beginning at the age of 13 or the onset of puberty, women can protect and maintain their health by undergoing screenings, tests, evaluations, and immunizations specific to their age group. These annual assessments provide essential information and guide preventive care and recommended services. 

Women between the ages of 40 and 64 years old, for example, should undergo a mammogram every 1 to 3 years, as well as thyroid, abdomen, and pelvic examinations. Depending on your age and health status, your well woman visits might also include screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, STIs, nutrition, and other important health factors. 

What To Expect

Though the focus of your well woman exams may evolve over the years, the process will always remain the same.

First, your doctor will ask basic questions about your health, including your medical history, sexual activity, eating habits, use of alcohol or tobacco, relationships, and medications. Then, it’s time for the physical exam, especially to check breast and pelvic health. Finally, your doctor will make personalized recommendations and help you set goals for the next year. 

Women in their twenties and thirties may focus on birth control, prenatal care, and sexual health, while women in their fifties and sixties focus on menopause and preventive screenings for breast and ovarian cancer. 

For customized one-on-one care from a provider you can trust, call Dr. Kavita Rao at Gulf Coast Internist. Dr. Rao is a Doctor of Internal medicine who provides compassionate care for adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. She is dedicated to promoting preventive screenings and annual well woman exams to help you pursue lasting health. 

Call (727) 525-0900 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Rao and her team today.