Well-Woman Exams: What’s Included, How Often, and Why They Matter

Your annual well-woman exam is your anchor for preventive care, personalized screening, and clear next steps at every age. Whether you are a teen planning contraception, navigating postpartum changes, or managing menopause, this visit is designed to protect your health today and lower your long-term risks.

Is a Well-Woman Exam the Same as an Annual Physical?

Not exactly. An annual physical focuses broadly on general health. A well-woman exam centers on reproductive and sexual health, breast and gynecologic screening, hormones, and life-stage counseling.

Many patients choose to have both, often coordinated in the same year. At Renaissance Healthcare for Women, we integrate history, risk assessment, and gynecologic screening, then coordinate labs and imaging with your primary care when helpful.

What Does a Women’s Wellness Exam Consist Of?

Your visit is personalized, but most exams include:

  • Health history and risk review: current symptoms, medications, supplements, menstrual patterns, contraception, pregnancy history, sexual health, and family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, and colon cancers.

  • Vital signs and general exam: blood pressure, BMI trends, and targeted systems review.

  • Breast exam and imaging coordination: screening mammogram orders start at age 40 for average risk, earlier if genetics or personal risk suggest it.

  • Pelvic exam (when indicated): external exam, speculum exam, and bimanual exam based on age, symptoms, or screening needs. Pelvic exams are not always required for asymptomatic teens or very low-risk patients.

  • Cervical screening: Pap and HPV tests based on age and risk profile.

  • STI screening: chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis as indicated by age, partners, and pregnancy plans.

  • Vaccinations: Gardasil for HPV prevention, TDAP per schedule and during pregnancy, influenza seasonally, and shingles for patients 50+.

  • Labs: tailored to your goals and risk, may include iron studies, thyroid, A1c, lipid panel, vitamin D, and hormone testing when clinically indicated.

  • Menopause and bone health planning: symptom management, HRT counseling when appropriate, DEXA scan ordering for bone density.

  • Lifestyle and integrative strategies: sleep, nutrition, exercise, pelvic floor health, and stress support.

How Genomics Informs Screening and Prevention

We offer genomics-informed risk assessments to personalize your plan. Two key areas:

  • Cervical cancer prevention: Pap and HPV results, vaccination history, and prior abnormalities combined with risk-based guidelines set the right interval for screening. Higher risk may require earlier follow-up or colposcopy.

  • Breast cancer risk assessment: A cheek-swab or validated risk tool quantifies lifetime risk. Elevated risk may influence mammogram timing, breast MRI, and lifestyle/prevention measures.

For local patients, explore Palo Alto genomics testing for women to see how we personalize next steps.

How Often Should You Get a Well-Woman Exam?

Annually. Even when Pap or HPV testing occurs every 3–5 years for average risk, the yearly visit covers much more than a Pap. Contraception, pregnancy plans, perimenopause, urinary changes, sexual function, vaccines, and mental health all benefit from yearly touchpoints. Higher-risk patients may be seen more often.

Is Bloodwork Included in a Well-Woman Exam?

Bloodwork is not universal; it is ordered when clinically relevant:

  • Thyroid testing for cycle changes

  • Iron studies for heavy bleeding

  • A1c and lipids for metabolic risk

  • Vitamin D for bone health

  • Hormone panels when indicated

We coordinate lab sites and discuss options when ordering specialized tests.

What Should You Not Do Before a Gynecological Exam?

  • Avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal products 24–48 hours before a Pap or pelvic exam.

  • If on your period, consider rescheduling unless bleeding is light.

  • Arrive with a bladder that is not overly full unless a urine sample is requested.

  • Bring your medication list and outside records; complete intake forms ahead of time.

  • Prefer to prepare at home first, then book a Palo Alto virtual gyn visit to review history and questions securely before your appointment.

How Visits Differ by Age and Life Stage

  • Teens and early 20s: Cycle education, acne/PMS counseling, Gardasil vaccination, contraception options, STI screening, safe sex counseling. Pelvic exams rarely needed unless symptomatic.

  • 20s to 30s: Preconception planning, prenatal vitamins, contraception changes, Pap/HPV per guidelines, fertility conversations, early evaluation of pelvic pain or endometriosis.

  • Pregnancy and postpartum: Prenatal care, mood screening, lactation support, pelvic floor recovery, spacing of pregnancies. Explore Palo Alto prenatal visits for coordinated care.

  • 40s: Perimenopause symptom tracking, breast imaging coordination, cycle changes, fibroid or bleeding evaluation, metabolic screening, pelvic floor support.

  • 50s and beyond: Menopause management, HRT or non-hormonal options, bone density and fracture prevention, urinary health, sexual wellness, cancer screening updates.

Telemedicine Pre-Visit Checklists

  • Complete digital intake forms and upload labs or imaging

  • List medications, supplements, allergies, major life changes, stress, weight, sleep

  • Note cycle patterns, bleeding changes, pain, hot flashes, urinary symptoms, libido, mood, sleep

  • Prepare questions on contraception, fertility, breast or cervical screening, and devices/procedures

  • Confirm pharmacy and imaging preferences

After telemedicine, we schedule your in-person exam, Pap/HPV if due, and mammogram or DEXA orders.

Privacy, Time, and Concierge Access

Exams are private, unrushed, and performed by experienced female clinicians when preferred. Concierge membership offers:

  • Direct text, phone, and email access

  • Same-day or next-business-day appointments

  • Longer visit times for comprehensive planning

Explore Palo Alto concierge medicine to see how membership works.

When Is a Pap or Pelvic Exam Needed?

  • Pap/HPV screening generally begins at age 21; co-testing often starts at 30

  • Pelvic exams recommended for symptoms, IUD check, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or follow-up after abnormal test

  • Asymptomatic, average-risk patients can individualize pelvic exams

Quick Prep Tips for a Smooth Visit

  • Bring written questions

  • Wear two-piece clothing

  • Eat normally, stay hydrated; bring a snack if prone to lightheadedness during blood draws

  • Ask about same-day contraception or device placement for efficient timing and comfort

Summary and Next Steps

A well-woman exam is more than a Pap. It’s your yearly plan for:

  • Breast and cervical screening

  • Contraception, fertility, or pregnancy support

  • Perimenopause and menopause care

  • Sexual wellness and prevention guided by personal and genomic risk

Most patients benefit from annual visits, targeted labs when indicated, and age-appropriate imaging. Prefer to start with a telemedicine review? We streamline your in-office exam and coordinate any Pap/HPV, mammogram, or DEXA you need this year.

Renaissance Healthcare for Women
Sobrato Pavilion, 2495 Hospital Drive, Suite 515, Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone: (650) 988-7830
Serving Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills with secure telemedicine and concierge access

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