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We all know the importance of an annual medical checkup or routine dental cleaning. Getting a feminine yearly health checkup is just as crucial.
The National Health Institute and many healthcare organizations refer to these check-ups as “well-woman visits,” or WWVs. You should schedule one every year.
What does a well-woman visit entail?
It’s a lot like a regular checkup, focusing on preventative care for women and the health of your reproductive organs. WWVs include:
- Age-appropriate screening tests
- Vaccines, if needed
- Resources and education around your reproductive and overall health
A well-woman visit also includes a physical examination. During the examination, a doctor may examine your vagina and pelvic region. They may also perform a clinical breast exam to check for any lumps or changes in your breast tissue.
WWVs can also include other important screenings.
Your healthcare provider might also do a Pap smear and HPV testing. These screenings are also important, as they allow doctors to identify conditions that could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.
If you’ve never had a Pap smear or HPV test, you should ask your doctor if they recommend you have one.
And make sure you’re open about your family’s medical history. Having a history of certain conditions, including breast or colon cancer, osteoporosis, or thyroid disease, may necessitate you be screened for other conditions sooner.
They’re an excellent opportunity to get answers.
Have questions about pregnancy? Or pregnancy prevention? Perimenopause or Menopause? PMS and or chronic pelvic pain? Your WWV is a great time to get answers about all these issues and more. Let your doctor know if you have any concerns about your period (think heavy bleeding, cramps, or irregular cycles).
If you’re concerned about sexually transmitted infections or want to learn more about your sexual health, let your doctor know. Speak up about concerns regarding possible vaginal infections or any changes you may be experiencing (irritation, odor, or change in color of discharge).
Where can you schedule a WWV?
Most women schedule well-woman visits with their obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs). These doctors specialize in preventive care for women, including breast, reproductive, and sexual health.
Your internist may also provide some of the elements of a well-woman visit during your annual physical, especially if you request it or indicate that you’ve noticed any changes in your pelvis, breasts, or menstrual cycle. These may include a breast and/or pelvic exam.
Some internists will also provide Pap and HPV screenings if needed and then refer you to an OB/GYN if a follow-up is required.
What to do if you don’t have insurance.
Some state and county governments, as well as several nonprofits, offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings to women with no health insurance and/or low incomes.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most private health insurers must offer women’s preventative care coverage without cost sharing. This includes mammograms, screenings for cervical cancer, and prenatal care. For more information, you can visit www.hrsa.gov/womens-guidelines.
What about vaginal infections?
If you’re experiencing vaginal discomfort and don’t have insurance — or simply don’t have the time to schedule a doctor’s appointment — there are some steps you can take yourself to get the treatment you need.
eMed offers several women’s health kits that test for things like UTIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis — all for as low as $25 per test. Ordering a test bundle via eMed.com will be delivered to your home within two business days. The testing process takes as little as 30 minutes. If your results indicate an infection, one of our licensed healthcare clinicians will prescribe treatment and deliver it to your pharmacy of choice on the same day.
You can learn more about our testing kits here.
