An annual visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), often called a well-woman exam, is a fundamental part of maintaining reproductive and overall wellness. This yearly appointment is a proactive measure focusing on health maintenance, disease prevention, and individualized counseling rather than just addressing acute symptoms. The components and specific screenings performed during the exam are always tailored to age, medical history, and personal needs.
The Initial Health History and Symptom Review
The annual exam typically begins with a detailed conversation to update your medical record and address any new concerns. The provider will ask about changes in your general health, family medical history, and current medications since your last visit. Reviewing the menstrual cycle is a major focus, covering details like the regularity of your periods, the heaviness of the flow, and any unusual pain or symptoms.
This initial Q&A session also includes a review of your lifestyle habits, such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep patterns, which can significantly influence reproductive health. Before the physical assessment begins, the healthcare team will take baseline measurements, including your blood pressure and weight, to track general health indicators. These vitals help screen for conditions like hypertension, which can affect overall well-being and future pregnancy planning.
General Physical Assessment
The physical assessment focuses on non-internal checks that screen for general health issues. A clinical breast examination (CBE) is a standard component where the provider visually inspects and manually checks the breasts for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry. The provider uses their fingertips to feel for lumps, masses, skin changes, or unusual nipple discharge in the breast tissue, the armpit (axilla), and the collarbone area.
This manual palpation is a screening tool for breast cancer and other benign conditions. It supplements, but does not replace, mammography, which is recommended for women starting around age 40 or 50, depending on risk factors. An abdominal examination is also performed, where the physician gently presses on the abdomen to check for tenderness, distention, or any unusual masses that could indicate issues with internal organs, including the uterus or ovaries.
Cervical and Pelvic Screenings
The pelvic examination allows for direct assessment of the internal reproductive organs. The exam begins with a visual inspection of the external genitalia to check for any signs of irritation, sores, inflammation, or infection. Next, the provider gently inserts a speculum to visualize the cervix and vaginal canal.
During the speculum exam, a sample of cervical cells may be collected for a Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which screens for precancerous changes or cervical cancer. This sample may also be tested for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), as persistent infection with high-risk HPV types causes nearly all cervical cancers. For women aged 21 to 29, a Pap test is recommended every three years; those 30 to 65 often receive co-testing (Pap and HPV) every five years. The final part is the bimanual exam, where the provider inserts two gloved fingers into the vagina while pressing on the lower abdomen to feel the size, position, and texture of the uterus and ovaries, checking for cysts, fibroids, or tenderness.
Preventative Care and Future Planning
The conclusion of the annual exam focuses on health maintenance and counseling. This is the ideal time to review your current method of birth control, discuss any side effects, or talk through future family planning goals, including preconception counseling if you are considering pregnancy. The discussion will also cover general health topics, such as counseling on bone health, especially for those approaching or in menopause, and managing chronic conditions.
Vaccination status is reviewed, and the provider may recommend necessary immunizations, such as the HPV vaccine for eligible patients or the annual influenza shot. Before leaving, you will discuss the expected timeline for receiving results from any lab work or screenings performed. The office will typically schedule your next annual appointment to ensure continuity of care and proactive wellness management.