Well Woman Exam
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South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health
Gynecology & Women's Health Specialists located in Dadeland, Miami, FL, Boca Raton, FL & Pembroke Pines, FL
An annual well-woman exam is crucial for maintaining optimal gynecologic health as you age. Whether you’re ready for your first pelvic exam or nearing menopause, board-certified gynecologists Randye Karmin, MD, Lydia Valderrama, MD, and Ninoutchka Dejean, MD, at South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health, can perform your well-woman exam at the office in one of our 3 office locations in the Dadeland area of Miami, Boca Raton, or Pembroke Pines, Florida. To schedule a well-woman exam, call South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health, or book an appointment online.
Well Woman Exam Q & A
What is a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is an annual gynecological exam that focuses on your reproductive health to prevent disease and detect health concerns early on. As a woman, these annual visits are important for maintaining your gynecologic health.
What happens during my first well-woman exam?
How your gynecologist conducts your well-woman visit depends on your age and other health factors, such as your medical and sexual history.
Our doctors at South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health begin seeing adolescents as young as 16 for an initial visit. During the first gynecologic exam, your doctor will ask you questions about your menstrual cycles, sexual health, and more. She will also check your height, weight, and blood pressure. A breast and pelvic exam are often not necessary during an adolescent’s first visit.
These first few visits are a time for you to get to know the doctor and feel comfortable at South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health. If you’re sexually active, the doctor may discuss contraception options and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing.
Will my well-woman exam change over time?
Once you reach the age of 21, the doctor will begin performing preventive breast exams, Pap smears, and pelvic exams to maintain your gynecological health.
A Pap smear is a procedure that tests for cervical cancer and precancers in women. It involves collecting cells from the outer part of your cervix. This small sample can help detect abnormal cells long while they can be successfully treated, long before they ever become cancerous. The collection of the pap smear should not be painful and can be accomplished very quickly and easily.
Beginning at the age of 40, our doctors recommend annual mammograms to check for irregularities and signs of breast cancer.
If you are older than 65 and haven’t been diagnosed with cervical cancer or precancer in the last 10 years, then you may no longer need Pap smears. The gynecoloigist will advise you on appropriate screening tests and the frequency of recommended breast and pelvic exams according to your history.
How can I prepare for my well-woman exam?
South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health is a judgment-free environment. Dr. Karmin, Dr. Dejean, and Dr. Valderrama understand that discussing your gynecological and sexual health isn’t easy or comfortable.
That’s why our doctors and the team ease your anxiety with patience and compassion. To prepare for the exam, have a list of questions ready to ask when you arrive. Also, be prepared to answer the following questions.
- When was your last period?
- How often do your periods last?
- How heavy are your periods?
- Do you ever bleed between periods?
- Are you sexually active?
- Do you use contraceptives? If so, which type?
- Is sex ever painful?
- Do you ever bleed during sex?
- Are you planning to get pregnant soon?
- Do you smoke or drink?
- How often do you experience abnormal vaginal discharge or pain?
- Are there certain medical problems that run in your family?
Your well-woman exam is a time to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about your gynecological health. To schedule an appointment, call South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health or book an appointment online.
