Annual Well-Woman Exam
No matter your age or medical history, you need regular gynecological care. At Midwest OB/GYN & Midwifery, board-certified physician Mariusz Koziol, MD, FACOG, and the team provide comprehensive well-woman exams. During your annual exam, you can receive Pap smears, breast exams, STD testing, and much more at the practice’s two locations in Elk Grove Village and Park Ridge, Illinois. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
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Annual Well-Woman Exam Q & A
Here you will find some answers to the most common questions.
What's a well-woman exam?
Well-woman exams are an essential part of staying healthy. These annual visits offer a valuable opportunity to meet with your gynecologist.
During your exam, you can receive cancer screenings, discuss birth control options, and plan for pregnancy. At Midwest OB/GYN & Midwifery, you can also receive STD testing as part of your annual visit.When should I start receiving well-woman exams?
Most doctors recommend beginning your annual exams when you turn 18. Girls who become sexually active before age 18 also need regular gynecological care. Even girls who aren’t sexually active may need to see a doctor.
Gynecological problems can arise at any age. In particular, many teenage girls experience pelvic pain or heavy bleeding. These symptoms can be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you or your child notice these symptoms, see a gynecologist for an exam.What happens during a pelvic exam?
At the start of your exam, your nurse weighs you and checks your blood pressure. Your nurse also asks about your symptoms and medical history. Next, you change into a gown for a physical exam.
Your provider then performs a pelvic exam. During this exam, your provider inserts gloved fingers into your vagina. They also press gently on your stomach to feel your uterus and ovaries. Your provider might also check your breasts for lumps or swelling.
Pap smears, which check for cervical cancer, are a standard part of a well-woman exam. This test usually takes place during your pelvic exam. To perform a Pap smear, your provider gently scrapes your cervix with a swab. This scraping is sent to a lab and tested for cancerous cells.What other services can I receive during a well-woman exam?
Depending on your symptoms, the OB/GYN & Midwifery team may provide a pregnancy test or STD testing during your exam. If you need other tests, your provider makes the necessary arrangements.
If you have questions about birth control, your well-woman exam is an excellent time to ask them. Your provider can also offer counseling on family-planning services, including hormonal birth control.
The Midwest OB/GYN & Midwifery team provides comprehensive OB/GYN care. If you’re planning a pregnancy, your provider can help access the care you need.
At Midwest OB/GYN & Midwifery, you can receive preconception counseling, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and much more. To schedule your next well-woman checkup, call the office or book an appointment online today.