The well woman exam is an important part of preventive care
Every woman who wants to enjoy a lifetime of health and wellness should make an appointment for an annual well woman exam. Carlos Cardenas MD, our San Antonio GYN, sees patients each year to determine whether there are any medical problems that need treatment now and to help prevent future issues.
What can you expect during a well woman exam?
Each well woman exam starts with a discussion of your family and medical history. Dr. Cardenas needs to have accurate and current information to make sure he’s providing you with the best care possible.
As part of the exam, you can expect a medical assistant to measure your height and weight. You will also have a physical examination. Depending on your age, this could include a breast exam, a pelvic exam, a Pap test and various health screenings.
During the annual exam, our San Antonio GYN may also discuss vaccinations that you may need, such as the flu vaccine. His goal is to provide comprehensive women’s healthcare.
Cancer screenings are an important part of annual wellness
Annual breast exams are an important part of breast cancer prevention. Equally important are annual mammograms for women 40 and older, or younger women with risk factors of breast cancer.
Dr. Cardenas follows the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, which do not recommend annual Pap tests. Instead, most women require co-testing every five years, which includes a Pap test and HPV screening.
Dr. Cardenas addresses many physical and mental health issues during the visit
Your well woman exam is not just focused on physical examinations and screenings. It’s also a time for Dr. Cardenas to discuss many important issues that affect your overall health and wellbeing.
- Sexual health
- Menopause
- Pelvic floor issues
- Weight management
- Depression and stress
- Osteoporosis
Our San Antonio GYN welcomes the opportunity to get to know you better during this annual exam. It’s the perfect time to talk about your life and health so that you can work together to address and prevent problems. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and learn more.
