When life gets busy, it’s easy to put your own health on the back burner. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, scheduling a checkup might not feel urgent. But your annual well-woman visit is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.

What is a Well-Woman Visit?

A well-woman visit is a yearly appointment focused entirely on preventive care. It’s your opportunity to talk with your provider about your overall health, get routine screenings, and discuss any questions or concerns you (or your provider) might have.

Well Woman Visit WFMC Health

What to Expect During Your Visit

Each visit is tailored to your age, health history, and personal needs. While not every woman will need the same exams or screenings every year, many visits will include:

  • Review of medical history: This includes updates on medications, chronic conditions, family health history, and lifestyle factors.
  • Physical exam: Your provider will check your blood pressure, heart, lungs, weight, and other basics to create a baseline and/or spot potential concerns early.
  • Breast exam: This helps identify lumps or other changes that might need further evaluation.
  • Pelvic exam and Pap test: Depending on your age and screening history, a Pap smear may be performed to detect early signs of cervical cancer.
  • Screenings and lab work: Based on your health profile, you may have tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, STIs, or thyroid function.
  • Discussion of menstrual, reproductive, or menopause-related concerns
  • Mental health check-in: You may talk about stress, anxiety, sleep issues, or mood changes.
  • Health goal setting: Your provider can help you with goals related to nutrition, exercise, family planning, and more.

Why These Visits are Important

Preventive care isn’t just about catching illnesses early, even though that’s a big part of it. It’s also about staying informed about your health, building a relationship with your provider, and making decisions based on your goals and stage of life.

Benefits of regular well-woman visits include:

  • Early detection of problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer risk
  • Better management of ongoing conditions, including PCOS, thyroid disorders, or hormonal imbalances
  • Support through life transitions such as pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or menopause
  • A safe space to ask questions about your body, your cycle, your mental health, or anything else that’s on your mind

This visit is about you, and your provider is there to listen, support, and guide.

How to Get the Most from Your Visit

  • Write down questions in advance: It’s easy to forget your concerns in the moment. Write them down before your appointment so you remember what you want to talk about.
  • Be honest and open: Whether it’s about mental health, sex, or family planning, your provider needs the full picture in order to give the best care.
  • Talk about your future plans: Thinking about trying for a baby? Curious about birth control options? Want help managing perimenopause? This is the time to ask.

Your Health Deserves Time and Attention

Taking approximately one hour a year to focus on your health can make a lasting difference. It’s an act of self-care that benefits not just you, but also the people who count on you. Know that your annual well-woman visit at WFMC Health is a space where your questions are welcome, your health is the priority, and your voice is heard.

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.