Well-woman Visits

A healthy woman should visit her primary care provider once a year for a general health check that includes a breast examination and pap smear. Such visits are essential to maintain general well-being and for early detection of problems while they can be treated with least effort and cost. Annual exams should be part of a woman’s routine care if she is sexually active or over age 18.

More frequent checkups may be needed for women who have:

• a sex-related illness
• a history of sexual health problems
• a history of abnormal Pap test results
• a mother or sister who had breast cancer before menopause
• a breast lump

Women who plan to become pregnant may also need more frequent exams.

If a sex-related health problem arises between annual appointments, please schedule a visit to your gynecologist. Do not wait to get attention for problems such as vaginal discharge or a lump in the breast.