What Is a Well Woman Exam?
A well-woman exam is a yearly visit that focuses on your reproductive health, preventive screenings, and long-term wellness. During this appointment, your provider reviews changes in your health history, performs a physical, and addresses any women's health concerns you may have.
A well-woman visit is an essential part of preventive care. Many conditions—especially cervical cancer, thyroid changes, and sexually transmitted diseases—show few symptoms in the early stages. A yearly wellness checkup helps catch problems before they become serious.
The goal is simple: support women of all ages with clear guidance, evidence-based care, and a comfortable environment.
What's Included in an Annual Well Woman Exam
Complete Physical Examination:
Your doctor performs a thorough physical assessment, including vital signs, a heart and lungs checkup, an abdominal check, and an evaluation of your general health status.
Breast Exam:
A clinical breast exam checks for lumps, changes in breast tissue, or other abnormalities. We also discuss breast self-examination techniques and mammogram recommendations based on your age and risk factors.
Pelvic Examination:
For sexually active women or those over 21, the pelvic checkup evaluates reproductive organs. This includes visual examination and manual assessment of the uterus and ovaries.
Pap Smear:
Cervical cancer screening through a pap smear every three years (or more frequently based on guidelines and your history) detects abnormal cells before they become cancer.
Health Screenings:
We order blood work to check cholesterol, thyroid function, blood sugar, and other markers based on your age and health history. STD testing is available if you're sexually active and at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
Health History Review:
We review your medical history, family history, medications, lifestyle, and any changes since your last visit. This context helps us identify risk factors and provide personalized recommendations.
Why Annual Well-Woman Visits Matter
Catching Problems Early Saves Lives
Cancer Prevention and Early Detection:
Regular screening catches cervical cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers early, when survival rates are highest. Many women have no symptoms in the early stages—that's exactly why routine checkups matter.
Managing Reproductive Health:
Whether you need contraceptive counseling, are trying to conceive, or are experiencing irregular periods, your well-woman visit addresses reproductive concerns throughout every stage of your life.
Chronic Conditions:
High blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease often develop without obvious symptoms. Routine health screenings identify these conditions before they cause serious health problems.
Menopause Management:
As you approach and go through menopause, your body changes significantly. We help manage menopause symptoms, discuss hormone replacement therapy options, and address concerns about bone health and cardiovascular risk.
STD Prevention:
Testing for sexually transmitted diseases protects your health and prevents transmission to partners. Many STDs cause no symptoms but can lead to serious complications if untreated.
Mental Health:
Your well-woman exam includes a discussion of stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional wellness. Mental health affects physical health—we address both.
📞 When was your last wellness exam? Call (713) 636-2621 to schedule yours today.
Complete Women's Health Services
Additional Care at Core Primary Care
Primary Care Integration:
Unlike standalone gynecological practices, we're your primary care home. We manage all aspects of your health—not just reproductive concerns. This means coordinated care for diabetes, hypertension, thyroid conditions, and other health conditions alongside your women's health needs.
Family Medicine Approach:
Our family medicine and internal medicine training means we understand how different body systems interact. We see the complete picture of your health.
Weight Management:
If weight concerns affect your health, we offer medical weight loss programs with physician supervision.
Med Spa Services:
We provide aesthetic treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, and other cosmetic procedures in our med spa.
Mental Health Support:
We understand that women face unique mental health challenges. We provide counseling, medication management, and referrals when specialized care is needed.
Specialist Coordination:
When you need a gynecologist for complex issues, we provide a referral to trusted specialists and coordinate your care.
What to Expect During Your Well Woman Visit
Your Appointment From Start to Finish
Before Your Visit:
Schedule your comprehensive exam when you're not menstruating if possible (though we can still perform most screenings during your period). Avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal medications for 24 hours before your pelvic examination. Write down any health concerns, questions, or symptoms you want to discuss.
Check-In and History:
Our staff will ask you to complete forms about your health history if you're a new patient. We'll review medications, allergies, family medical history, menstrual cycle information, sexual activity, and lifestyle factors.
Vital Signs and Screening:
We check your blood pressure, weight, height, and body mass index. These baseline measurements track changes over time and identify potential health issues.
Discussion with Your Doctor:
Before physical exam and health screenings, your physician talks with you about any health concerns, symptoms you're experiencing, contraceptive needs, sexual health questions, family planning, menopause issues, or other topics you want to address. This conversation is confidential and judgment-free.
Physical Examination:
You'll change into a gown. Your doctor performs a complete physical, including listening to your heart and lungs, examining your abdomen, checking your thyroid, and looking at your skin for any concerning changes.
Breast Exam:
The breast examination checks for lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge, or other abnormalities. Your doctor will show you the proper self-exam technique to use at home monthly.
Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear:
If you include a pelvic exam as part of your visit, you'll lie back with your feet in stirrups. Your doctor uses a speculum to visualize your cervix and performs the pap smear by collecting cells from your cervix. This takes just minutes and is usually more uncomfortable than painful. After removing the speculum, your doctor performs a manual examination of your uterus and ovaries.
Lab Work and Additional Testing:
We'll draw blood if screening labs are due. Additional testing might include STD screening, urinalysis, or other tests based on your risk factors and symptoms.
Follow-Up Discussion:
After the examination, you'll discuss findings, review any lifestyle changes recommended, get prescriptions if needed, and schedule follow-up appointments. We answer all your questions before you leave.
💻 Ready for your exam? Book your appointment online
Well-Woman Physical Exams at Every Age of Life
Teens & Young Adults
Cycle changes, birth control guidance, pelvic education.
Childbearing Years
Fertility, pregnancy planning, postpartum concerns, infections, symptom evaluation.
Perimenopause & Menopause
Hot flashes, sleep changes, cycle shifts, and discussions around hormone replacement therapy.
Later Adulthood
Cancer screenings, mobility concerns, bone health, and chronic disease management.
FAQs: Woman Wellness Exam – Sugar Land, TX
1. How often should I get a well-woman exam?
Most women benefit from a yearly well-woman exam to track health changes and complete routine screenings.
2. Does a well-woman visit always include a pelvic exam?
Not always. Some women only need a pelvic exam based on age, symptoms, or risk factors.
3. Should I schedule a pap smear every year?
Not every year. Many women only need a Pap test every three years, depending on their history and health screenings.
4. Do you perform breast exams?
Yes. Your visit includes a breast exam, and we'll discuss when to schedule your next mammogram.
5. Can I talk about menopause symptoms during the visit?
Absolutely. Menopause brings changes in hormones, sleep, and comfort. Your provider can recommend options, including lifestyle shifts or medical treatments.
6. Is a well-woman exam covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover annual preventive visits. We can verify your benefits.