top of page
Annual Well Woman Exam

What to Expect

In addition to checking your height, weight, and blood pressure, your doctor will ask you questions about your general health, menstrual period and sexual activities. During your exam, Dr. Brooks will perform the following exams and tests.

​

Breast Exam

During your breast exam, Dr. Brooks will check your breasts for signs of any potential problems, such as a lump. She will examine each breast by moving her fingers around your breast in a pattern. You may also be shown how to perform monthly self-examinations.

​

Pelvic Exam

During your pelvic exam, Dr. Brooks will examine your vagina, cervix and reproductive organs. Once you place your feet against footrests at the end of the examining table and slide forward, Dr. Brooks will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gently spread the walls apart to examine the area. She then places one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina and the other hand presses on your abdomen from the outside to check the size, position, and shape of your internal pelvic organs. The pelvic exam may feel a bit uncomfortable, but should not hurt.

​

Pap Smear

A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. Dr. Brooks will insert a small cotton-tipped swab through the vagina into the cervix. Cells are removed from the cervix and sent to a laboratory to be checked for any abnormalities. The Pap smear is painless.

​

Well Woman Visits

These assessments should include screening, evaluation and counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors.

​

At 50 Years old

During your 50s, it is good to get a lung cancer screening if you are a current or past smoker. It is also time to have a preventative screening for colorectal cancer.

​

At 60 Years old

Continue to get regular mammograms and osteoporosis screenings during your 60s.

​

At 70 Years old

Be sure to get a seasonal flu shot, a shingles shot, and a pneumonia shot, as well as others your doctor may recommend.

​

At 80 Years old

Discuss with your doctor ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your visions or hearing.

At 20 Years old

You should have your first pap test if you haven’t already and have a sexually transmitted infection screening if necessary.

​

At 30 Years old

Be sure to talk with your gyn if you are planning on getting pregnant. Continue to get an annual well-woman visit during your 30s.

​

At 40 Years old

Decide with your gyn when you should have a mammogram, especially if you have certain risk factors. If you’re having perimenopause symptoms, there may be ways to manage these symptoms.

bottom of page