Gynecology · 4 min read
Your annual well-woman exam, explained
By the Foley OB & Aesthetics team · Published
The short answer
A well-woman exam is a yearly preventive visit with your OB/GYN or nurse practitioner. It covers your health history, blood pressure, and any screenings or vaccines you’re due for. You may not need a Pap test every year: ACOG recommends cervical cancer screening every 3 years from age 21 to 29, and every 3 or 5 years from 30 to 65, depending on the test.
Before you arrive
Fill out your new patient forms and we’ll verify your insurance. Jot down the date of your last period, any medications you take, and anything you want to ask about. It’s easy to forget a question once you’re in the exam room.
Talking through your history
Expect questions about your health, your cycle, contraception and any concerns. This is the time to bring up painful periods, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, problems with sex, pregnancy plans or menopause symptoms. Nothing is off limits.
Do I need a pelvic exam every year?
Not always. ACOG recommends a pelvic exam when you have symptoms or a medical history that calls for one. You and your provider decide together. Either way, the yearly visit is still worth keeping.
How often you need a Pap or HPV test
- Ages 21 to 29: a Pap test every 3 years.
- Ages 30 to 65: a Pap test every 3 years, an HPV test every 5 years, or both together every 5 years.
- After 65: you may be able to stop if your past results have been normal.
- You may need more frequent screening if you have a history of abnormal results, HIV or a weakened immune system.
Other screenings and vaccines
Depending on your age and history, your visit may include STD testing, vaccinations and routine testing. We’ll tell you what you’re due for and explain your results and next steps clearly.
Well-woman care at Foley OB
Dr. Stephen Foley and our nurse practitioners see patients for annual exams, contraception, fertility support and menopause care in our Mililani office. Many patients stay with us for decades. Read more about gynecologic care at Foley OB, or call 808-762-0261 to schedule.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your provider about your own health.
