You At Your Best

sPOnsOr cOntent From pregnancy to menopause, a woman's health care needs can change dramatically throughout her lifetime. That's why the OB/GYNs at Washington Regional's HerHealth Clinic provide compassionate, personalized care for women of all ages, including prenatal care and deliveries, infertility treatments, birth control, gynecological exams and well- woman exams. An annual well-woman exam with an OB/GYN is recommended in addition to a yearly checkup with a primary care physician. While it focuses on the female reproductive system and sexual health, a well-woman exam is also a chance to discuss everyday health concerns, from anxiety and stress to weight loss and family planning, with a goal of helping you stay healthy throughout your lifetime. A well-woman visit is a good time to talk with your OB/GYN about: Personal and family health history. Your OB/GYN will want to know about your past health concerns and any diseases and conditions that run in your family. And because some lifestyle and environmental factors can affect your health, your doctor may also ask about: • Eating habits • Physical activity level • Sleep routine • Alcohol, smoking or drug use • Whether you feel safe in your home Any specific health concerns or symptoms. Be sure to tell your doctor about any bothersome symptoms you have been experiencing. Depending on your symptoms and health history, your doctor may decide to order diagnostic testing such as urinalysis or blood tests. Recommended screenings or physical exams. Depending on your age, health history and any current symptoms, your doctor may perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam and a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. A Pap test will usually be performed every 3 to 5 years; the general recommendation is for women to have Pap tests between the ages of 21 and 65. Your doctor may also perform a manual breast exam and offer mammogram recommendations. Pregnancy planning or birth control. For a woman in her reproductive years, a key component of a well-woman exam is a discussion of her goals for having children or preventing pregnancy. Working with your OB/GYN, you can develop a reproductive life plan to ensure that medical testing and treatments you receive are aligned with your plans. Menopause and healthy aging. Well-woman visits are important for perimenopausal women and postmenopausal women as well. You can learn about treatment options for age- related conditions such as incontinence and painful sex. Your doctor may suggest screenings for other health conditions such as bone loss and heart disease. Immunizations. Ask your doctor which vaccinations are recommended for you, especially if you are or may become pregnant. Overall well-being. Talk with your OB/GYN about your life goals and how to stay healthy enough to achieve them. Consider creating a written wellness plan to achieve your health goals. Let your doctor know if you struggle with depression or are unable to cope with life stressors such as your job or family responsibilities. A trusted OB/GYN can provide recommendations and suggest treatment options. Of course, every woman is different; some may have additional topics to discuss during a well-woman exam. It may be helpful to take notes to keep track of recommendations for additional screening or follow-up. Consider scheduling your well-woman exam at the same time each year — during your birthday month, for example — so you don't forget this important part of your health care. Located in the Washington Regional Women and Infants Center in Fayetteville, HerHealth Clinic makes it convenient for women to get the health care they need. Learn more about Washington Regional HerHealth Clinic at www.wregional.com/herhealth. Importance of the well-woman exam dr. candy birch dr. alexis mccollum sundaY, sePtember 25, 2022 | OctOber - WOmen's HealtH YOuatYOurbest.nWaOnline.cOm | YOu at YOur best | 3

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