As women we always make our children and spouses a priority and often neglect our own needs and care. I know personally, after having my kids, that I didn’t think I needed to see my OBGYN regularly. I also never established care with a Family Medicine or Primary Care Practitioner, therefore no one was watching my health, not even myself!
The truth is, women often neglect well woman care exams for a number of reasons, but in the end it comes down to whether or not you make yourself a priority. You put so much of your energy into caring for others every day, and you deserve that same level of care yourself.
Why Well Care Visits
Well woman care isn’t just about detecting and preventing serious illnesses. It’s about maintaining a higher quality of life. Women who make well woman care a priority know sooner when something has changed with their bodies, are more prepared for the onset of menopause, and in general are more proactive about their own health, giving them a great advantage in their quest to stay healthy.
Of course prevention and early detection is a part of seeing your provider yearly. A number of illnesses that affect women can actually be prevented when proper well woman care is a priority.
Cervical cancer, when caused by Human Papillomavirus, often presents with abnormal cells in the cervix years before cancer emerges. Diabetes, as well, can in some cases be prevented. Well woman care exams can help to identify the potential for adult onset and get you on an eating plan designed to get your blood sugar back in line and keep it there. Breast and reproductive cancers, when caught early, can be treated much more successfully. For women planning to have children, early detection of certain potential fertility problems can actually protect their ability to give birth in the future.
Additional Reasons for Well Care
What can be included in a women’s well care visit: screening, evaluation and counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors. A comprehensive history review. This history includes symptoms; medications; allergies; and medical, surgical, family, social, and gynecologic history, including questions on reproductive, sexual, and mental health (using screening tools as indicated). Taking a comprehensive history (specifically obtaining detailed information on symptoms and past medical and gynecologic history) will inform if certain components of the physical examination, including breast or pelvic examination, are indicated at that visit and will inform shared decision making for these examinations.
The goal is for Provider and patient to share in decision making, encouraging and facilitating healthy behaviors, and counseling about a wide array of effective preventive health practices individualized to the patient.
Overall, A well-woman visit provides an excellent opportunity to counsel patients about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing health risks. At Pediatric Care+ our priority to become a medical home for the whole family, including moms! We try to make excellent healthcare convenient for yourself as well as your children!
