Well-Woman Care
The OB/GYN physician wears two hats - the hat of a specialist in gynecologic surgery and high-risk pregnancy, and a generalist for women. It has been estimated that 60% of American women consider their OB/GYN to be their primary care physician and their specialist for diseases of women.
All women over age 18 should have an annual well-woman exam. This habit should not stop as a woman becomes elderly or after hysterectomy.
The following are indicated in a well-woman examination:
- Weight and blood pressure
- Medical and gynecologic history
- Review of habits such as smoking and alcohol usage
- Complete physical exam
- Complete breast exam
- Complete pelvic exam
- Pap smear
- Test for blood in urine and stool (age dependent)
- Rectal exam (over 40)
- Laboratory tests as indicated
- Bone density testing (age and risk dependent)
- Mammography (over 40)
The primary purpose of this visit is to uncover unsuspected but treatable conditions such as suspicious moles, enlarged thyroid, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, breast lumps, ovarian cysts, enlarged uterus, and elevated cholesterol.
The exam usually takes 30-45 minutes.
© 2004 Allen Gregg South, M.D.
© 2004 Allen Gregg South, M.D.