Women's health exams help ensure overall health while screening for conditions and health risks. Not only will the doctor help with any current symptoms, but they can also screen for conditions like breast and cervical cancer in otherwise healthy patients. Despite the importance of these exams, it is common to feel uncomfortable about receiving them. Learning how to prepare and what to expect during a women’s health exam can help make the whole experience more comfortable.
A women’s health exam is an annual exam that diagnoses health issues affecting female patients. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this includes ovarian, cervical, and breast cancer. The main components of women’s health exams are:
That said, pelvic exams and pap smears are not a part of every women’s health exam because they do not need to be performed yearly. However, the other components can be expected each time. Patients can also look at the exam as an opportunity to ask questions about birth control, menstruation, fertility, and sexual health. For instance, the urgent care or primary care doctor can discuss birth control options, help manage premenstrual symptoms, and test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Most of the preparation for women’s health exams is mental and emotional. This mainly involves mentally preparing oneself to have the exam done. It may also involve taking a few hours or the rest of the day off after the exam to recuperate.
While it can feel scary to get these exams, patients can rest assured that urgent care and primary care doctors prioritize patient comfort as much as they can. Some patients find it helpful to have a trusted loved one, like their mother or partner, come with them to the exam. Others find it helpful to have more than one healthcare provider in the room, such as a female doctor or nurse accompanying as a chaperone, during the exam.
Besides mental preparation, here is what else to know when preparing for women’s health exams:
As for any healthcare appointment, patients must bring proof of insurance, identification, and any necessary medical documents on the day of their women’s health exam. A primary care doctor will likely want to see any medical records from the patient’s previous provider for a better picture of the patient’s health. Thus, bring the contact information of any healthcare providers visited in the last couple of years.
Also, make sure to bring comfortable clothes. The patient will need to disrobe and put on a hospital gown for a women’s health exam, so make sure the clothes are easy to change in and out of. The urgent care or primary care staff will provide the hospital gown, leaving the room to allow the patient to change into it comfortably.
As part of a women’s health exam, patients can expect questions about their sexual health, whether they have plans to become pregnant, and their menstrual cycle. None of this is meant to be judgmental. It only ensures good health and informs whether certain tests are needed, such as STI tests.
Women’s health exams are an important healthcare service. If you have not yet had this annual exam, Janey L Hammons NP-C is here to help. Schedule an exam with our Seiling team today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.janeylhammonsnpc.com or call Janey L Hammons NP-C at (580) 922-4406 for an appointment in our Seiling office.
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