Why Do I Need a Women’s Health Exam?

You’ve probably heard many times that women’s health exams are important, but it’s natural to wonder exactly why that’s the case — and if it even applies to everybody. At 4th Trimester Place in Miramar, Florida, board-certified family nurse practitioner Dr. Nathania Adu, DNP, FNP-C, and our team of dedicated women’s health specialists hear those questions often, so today’s blog helps you understand the why, who, and when of women’s health exams.

Why Women’s Health Exams Are Important

Women’s health exams aren’t just for when you’re expecting or when you have a problem. They should be a routine part of your health care. Three of the reasons women’s health exams are so important are:

Early detection of women’s health problems

Women’s health exams include screening for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and other problems like sexually transmitted infections. With all women’s health problems, early detection is best. It allows you to start treatment right away, and can prevent severe complications such as infertility. 

In the case of cancer, it could even save your life. 

For example, cervical cancer rates have declined by over 50% in the last four decades, and that’s due primarily to adding Pap smears to women’s health exams.

We determine what screenings you need based on your age, stage in life, risk factors, medical history, lifestyle, and other factors personal to you. 

Monitoring general health 

Women’s health exams cover the whole person, not just your reproductive health. While we monitor your menstrual cycle and other specific aspects of reproductive health, our team also monitors changes in your blood pressure, weight, mental health, and evaluates many other aspects of your general wellness during your exams. 

Many women get important general health information during their women’s health exams. For example, based on your age and risk factors, we screen for health problems like high cholesterol and diabetes during women’s health exams. So, you might first learn of health problems thanks to your women’s health exam instead of from your primary care doctor.

Getting your questions answered

Everyone has questions about their reproductive health sometimes. Your women’s health exam gives you the chance to ask those questions and get accurate answers from our experienced and knowledgeable team of experts. 

Wondering about why your period still isn’t regular after having a baby? Concerned about menopause? Want to learn about diabetes prevention? Your women’s health exams can cover all the topics that are important to you. 

Who needs women’s health exams?

The answer to this question is simple: Every woman needs women’s health exams. At 4th Trimester Place, we specialize in the postpartum period and beyond — and during those times, it’s more important than ever that you keep up with regular women’s health exams. Your baby needs you to be healthy, and you also owe it to yourself to protect your health. 

When to schedule women’s health exams 

In general, women need exams once a year. Our team considers every woman’s needs independently, so if you have a history of health issues or are at risk for problems, we might recommend that you come in more often. 

Now that you know why women’s health exams are so important, it’s time to take the next step. At 4th Trimester Place, we make it easy to schedule your women’s health exam by phone, or you can contact us online now.