Understanding the Different Types of Depression
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How Frequently Should You Have a Well-Woman Exam?
You may not be familiar with the term “well-woman exam,” but at Arlington Family Practice, the concept is simple: We offer well-woman exams to women annually as a preventive screening for breast and gynecological diseases.
Dr. Ann Morvai and our expert team are passionate about taking care of our female patients, and one of the best ways to do that is through preventive health visits.
Read on to find out more about why annual well-woman visits are vital for your health.
Why do I need a well-woman visit?
Well-woman visits are important because women need regular screenings for breast and gynecological cancers. The visits also give patients a chance to discuss any sexual health issues, such as sexually transmitted diseases.
Most women should have their first well-woman visit in their late teens. Once you reach 21, the visit should be an annual occurrence. This visit schedule gives Dr. Morvai a chance to see you regularly and identify any problems that may have appeared since your last visit. If you wait longer between visits, small problems may become big problems that are more difficult to treat.
What does a well-woman visit include?
Every doctor’s office is a little different, but at Arlington Family Practice, our approach is to conduct a breast exam and a pelvic exam at each visit. Depending on your age, we may also order a mammogram, a Pap smear, and possibly a test for human papillomavirus (HPV).
Your breast exam checks for any changes or anything abnormal, such as lumps, that could indicate a deeper problem. Once you reach age 40-45, depending on your family history of breast cancer, you should have a mammogram every year or every other year to screen for breast cancer.
During your pelvic exam, your doctor is again looking for anything abnormal that could be evidence of a bigger issue. If you’re age 21-65, we also recommend a Pap smear every three years to check for the presence of cervical cancer. You may need this test more often, depending on several factors, including your risk of contracting the disease.
Your visit may also include contraceptive counseling, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and more. We want your visit to be an open and honest exchange about your current health, so feel free to bring up any questions that are on your mind.
Practicing a little preventive health can do wonders for your peace of mind and help put your family at ease in regard to your health. To set up your well-woman visit with Arlington Family Practice, call us at our Arlington, Massachusetts, office or use our convenient online scheduler to choose the best time for you.
Don’t put it off anymore. Set up your well-woman visit today, and be rewarded with good health and peace of mind!
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