3 Reasons Why Annual Women’s Exams Are Important For Women’s Preventative Health

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Annual visits to the doctor are among one of the most important ways for women to receive preventative health screening and education. With work, school, and family obligations, it can be easy to forget to visit the doctor, especially if you are not sick or do not have a reason to see them. But in reality, women have unique health needs and require close monitoring and special care to prevent certain women's health concerns such as cervical cancer and breast cancer. Having a well-woman exam performed by your doctor once a year is an extremely important way to take care of your reproductive and overall health.

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During your well-women’s exam, your doctor will check on your current health, will share information about preventing future medical problems, and will give you the opportunity to discuss other health-related concerns you may have. Here are five reasons why it is critical that all women visit their doctor for annual women’s exams.

Preventative Care

One of the main goals of a women’s health exam is for the doctor to assess your current health and detect any possible signs of health complications early on to prevent future complications and improve your quality of life. Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check your pelvic organs, feeling for any abnormalities. The earlier these abnormalities are detected, the easier they are to treat. Depending on your age and medical history, your doctor may also perform a mammogram screening to see any changes in your breast tissue that could indicate signs of breast cancer. Your doctor will also ensure that you know how to properly perform a self-breast examination so you are confident in finding any changes in your breasts that could be a red flag and require medical attention.

Your doctor will also perform or recommend other preventative care methods such as:

  • Pap smear/ pap test
  • Bloodwork
  • Immunizations such as the HPV vaccine
  • Discussion about your sexual health

In addition to all of these preventative care methods, visiting your doctor means that they will get to know you and your body, allowing them to be able to notice changes in your health from the year prior.

Disease Screening

One of the main objectives of a women’s health exam is screening for certain diseases. Some of these screenings will be performed by your doctor, whereas others may require a visit to a specialist. There are many diseases that are unique to women such as cervical cancer, therefore your doctor will test you for diseases that are common concerns for women based on your age, current health, and medical history. Your doctor may also recommend screening for HPV and other sexuallt transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Your medical history will also help your doctor identify if you require screening for diabetes or osteoporosis.

Medical History And Counselling

Recording your medical history is critical to the accuracy and effectiveness of your healthcare. Many diseases such as heart disease can be genetic, however, it is treatable especially if it is detected early on. Knowing of any family medical history will help your doctor recommend the right diagnostic tests and preventative care. 

During your conversation with your physician, your doctor may give you lifestyle advice in the form of counseling. The annual visits not only check on your physical health, but they also check on your mental health and overall well-being. Doctors have your best interest in mind and may recommend certain diet or physical activity recommendations to improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of developing certain medical conditions. Even if you already live a healthy lifestyle, an annual women’s health exam will provide a steady relationship with your doctor, who may notice changes in your health or mental well-being that you may not notice on your own. 

Calgary’s Women’s Health Clinic

One of the best things you can do to manage and maintain good physical and mental health is to keep up with your routine women’s health exams. A well-woman exam is designed to zero in on health issues that are specific to female general health. This preventative care will include a series of screenings to check for possible diseases such as breast and cervical cancer, as well as sexual health tests to check for STIs. During your examination, bring up any questions or concerns you may have about your health. Your doctor will be more than happy to answer your questions and educate you about the importance of these preventative measures. Being aware of certain medical problems specific to women’s health is the first step towards preventative care. By visiting your doctor for annual visits, you will be one step ahead of your health and will be at a lower risk of developing these diseases. 

At Signature Medical Women's Health Clinic, we are committed to providing our patients with a range of advice and services related to women's general and reproductive health. We understand how important it is to take these preventative measures to improve your quality of life. Our team of doctors provide our female patients with all of the information, support, and care they need in making informed choices regarding their health. To learn more about our Calgary Women’s Health Clinic and our services, contact us by calling (403)-454-7550 or by filling out our online contact form.

FAQs

Q: Does your women’s health clinic offer birth control options and education?
A: Yes, we do! Our team at Signature Health believes that education is one of the most important preventative care methods for women’s health. At our IUD clinic, we offer several IUD options as well as other birth control methods and emergency contraceptives. Patients are strongly encouraged to book an appointment to explore the various options available to them before deciding on a birth control method. To book your appointment, contact us by calling (403)-454-7550 or by filling out our online contact form.

Q: What is a mammogram?
A: A screening mammogram is used to look for signs of breast cancer.  It uses a low-dose x-ray that allows doctors to look for any abnormal changes in the breast tissue. This exam is highly recommended for all women aged 50-74, but can be available for younger women if risk factors are present even if you do not show signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Your physician can advise you of your best options for breast cancer screening.

Q: What are some common forms of emergency contraceptives?
A: Emergency contraception is used to reduce the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. Various options include: 

  • Copper IUD
  • Ella® (ulipristal acetate)
  • Plan B®

Talk to your doctor about which method is right for you.

 


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