Well Woman Exam
A well-woman exam, which involves screening for chronic diseases, is an essential part of every woman’s medical care. At John H. Kirk, MD, with locations in Napa, St. Helena, and Hidden Valley Lake, California, you can get comprehensive well-woman exams in a caring and compassionate environment. Dr. John Kirk III uses the latest diagnostic tools and tests to evaluate your overall health. You can book your well-woman exam online or call one of the offices directly.
What happens during a well-woman exam?
The well-woman exam is the time to get answers to all health questions and get a thorough analysis of your well-being. Depending on your overall health, family medical history, and any current concerns, your well-woman exam may include:
- Birth control counseling
- Vaccination updates
- Pap smear or pelvic exam
- Clinical breast exams
- Mammograms
- Hereditary cancer screenings
- Laboratory testing
Dr. Kirk might also suggest an ultrasound as part of the well-woman exam. Dr. Kirk has outstanding skills using ultrasound diagnosis for pelvic pain, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and early pregnancy concerns and challenges.
How often do I need a well-woman exam?
Generally, well-woman exams are done annually, but the patient may need to see Dr. Kirk in between routine visits if they:
- Had an abnormal Pap test
- Feel a lump in their breast
- Have symptoms of an STD
- Think they have a urinary tract infection
- Want to get pregnant or think they might be pregnant
Well-woman exams are an important part of preventive care and can help Dr. Kirk minimize the chances of getting breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer.
How do I prepare for a well-woman exam?
It’s helpful to make a few considerations and preparations before the well-woman exam, including:
- Gathering medical records from other providers
- Knowing the first day of the last period
- Making a list of all medications, including over-the-counter varieties
Women should also try to avoid scheduling a Pap smear during their menstrual period. While you can certainly have a Pap smear during your period, sometimes the results won’t be accurate.
If a recent Pap smear test showed abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, the team at John H. Kirk, MD, offers gentle, compassionate evaluation and treatment. They offer full-service follow-ups, including colonoscopies, LEEP (Loop Electrical Excision Procedures), cold knife cone biopsies, and where appropriate, cryotherapy to ensure they’re taking a proactive approach to patients’ health. All of these services are offered in the office, but can also be done in the hospital if you desire.
Schedule a well-woman exam at John H. Kirk, MD by calling or clicking the online booking feature.