An annual women’s wellness exam may seem like something to skip. After all, you aren’t having symptoms or concerns – so why bother?
Having a pelvic exam may not be the highlight of your year, but it is essential to the preservation of your long-term health. A woman’s wellness exam helps protect you from some cancers and other health complications. The appointment can identify problems when they’re in their earliest stages before they cause uncomfortable symptoms and serious problems.
The providers at South Plains Rural Health Services understand that preventive care is the key to a long, healthy life. This goes for women’s health needs as well as issues that can affect both sexes. Read on to learn why you should make an appointment at one of our offices in Levelland, Lamesa, and Big Spring, Texas for your annual women’s wellness exam.
An annual exam can save your life. Even if you feel well, it’s possible for you to have an abnormality that can risk your comfort or your health. This may include a mass detected during a pelvic exam or fibroids found during an ultrasound.
Cancers that largely affect women also often don’t show true “symptoms” until they’re relatively advanced. At your women’s wellness exam, you undergo screenings such as Pap smear to check for abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer and clinical breast exams to look for lumps or abnormalities in your breasts that may indicate cancer.
Early detection leads to a much better chance of overcoming cancer and preventing complications, including deaths. The more advanced the disease becomes, the fewer the options for treatment and less of a chance of success.
At your wellness exam, the providers at South Plains Rural Health review your health history – including your recent health history – to identify potential changes. We look at your menstrual cycle, sexual habits, blood pressure, weight, exercise, and diet. Regular exams mean we can see changes that happen overtime and that may indicate a challenge to your long-term health.
We can also make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccines and screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies.
Delicate questions about issues such as contraception, sex, and sexually transmitted infections are appropriate at women’s wellness exams. The team can also talk to you about whether or not you feel safe at home.
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant in the near future, you can also ask questions about getting your body into optimal shape for carrying a baby for nine months. We can offer support in terms of prenatal vitamins and fertility screenings.
If you have symptoms that make you feel self-conscious, such as an “off” odor, unusual vaginal discharge, or bloating, discuss these at your women’s wellness visit. Of course, you can always make an appointment to address these concerns outside of an annual exam, too.
If you’re a woman and due for a visit, you should schedule your annual women’s wellness exam today. This simple appointment can make all the difference when it comes to your health. Book online, or call the nearest location.
