What is a Well-Woman Health Check?
This is a health check which includes general health screening for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, in addition, it also considers more specific women’s health concerns and anatomy. It includes a thorough history, including sexual health and menstrual cycle and examination including pelvic and breast examination and cervical smear (age 25+).
The well-women check can also include a discussion about birth control and options for management (available separately).
Why is it Important for Women to Get Regular Check-Ups?
As women go through life, their bodies change in response to hormonal changes and length of exposure which can put their bodies at risk of developing hormone-related conditions and diseases in addition to general health risk factors applicable to all such as diabetes, heart disease and mental health.
Regular health checks can help to pick up the early signs of disease or dysfunction, with prevention being more effective for continued good health in comparison to treatment options once a disease has developed and established. Cervical Smear testing is recommended from 25 years of age.
What Happens During Health Check?
During a health check, you will have an initial appointment with our nursing team who will take some basic history notes including:
- Past medical history, including any ongoing medical and surgical problems
- Family history of disease, including any history of cardiovascular disease and cancer
- History of smoking and alcohol use
- Any Medication you take both prescription and over-the-counter
Depending on which health check you select, you may have any of the following:
- Height and Weight measurement
- Blood Pressure
- Urine Dip to check for abnormalities
- ECG
- Spirometry
- Blood test to check
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Bone
- Heart
- Lipid levels (Cholesterol)
- Thyroid
- Vitamin Levels – including Vitamin D and B12
- Iron Studies
- Blood count
- Cervical Smear
- Prostate Screening
When you receive your test results, you will be booked in with a Doctor, who will talk through all of your results in addition to carrying out an examination and taking a history of any health concerns. A plan will be made as to how to reduce or manage any health risks identified and any required onward referrals to consultant specialists, in addition to accessing other specialists within The Health Suite, such as physiotherapists, counsellors, personal trainers and many more.
How Often Should I Get a Health Check?
Health Checks are usually recommended on an annual basis to check your measurements such as Blood pressure, height and weight, activity levels, smoking and alcohol assessments.
How often blood tests and other specialist screening tests are required should be discussed with the doctor who will advise you on a suitable interval of testing that is specific to your health needs.
Why are Health Checks Important?
Health Checks help you to take control of your health and prevent the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease and can help to identify early signs of cancer or chronic diseases including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Preventing disease and having support to live your healthiest life, reducing time spent unwell and the likelihood of requiring medications or medical interventions later in life. Health Checks are also a good opportunity to discuss concerns about your current health and get support to optimise your health.
Common Q&A about Well-Woman Screenings
A Well-Woman Screening is an annual health checkup specifically designed for women. It focuses on preventive care, early detection of potential health issues, and discussions on lifestyle, reproductive health, and general well-being.
These screenings help detect health issues early, such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They also allow women to manage other aspects of health like bone density, heart health, and mental well-being.
Tests commonly include a Pap smear, breast exam, blood pressure check, cholesterol screening, pelvic exam, and bone density screening (depending on age and risk factors). Depending on age and medical history, other tests may include mammograms, diabetes screening, or HPV testing.
Women should begin annual Well-Woman Screenings in their late teens or early 20s, especially if they are sexually active. However, Pap smears and certain other tests may not start until age 21 or as recommended by their healthcare provider.
It is recommended to have a Well-Woman Screening once a year, although certain tests like Pap smears and mammograms may be needed less frequently depending on age, risk factors, and past results.
During the visit, you will have a general physical exam, which may include a breast and pelvic exam. Your provider may also discuss your health history, menstrual cycle, contraception, and overall health habits. Blood tests or other screening tests may be conducted based on your age and risks.
No, guidelines suggest that women aged 21-29 have a Pap smear every 3 years if results are normal. Women aged 30-65 may have Pap smears every 3-5 years, or a combination of Pap smears and HPV testing every 5 years if results are normal.
Mammograms are generally not part of the standard Well-Woman exam for younger women, but they may be recommended starting around age 40-50 depending on personal risk factors and family history. For older women, a mammogram is usually included as part of their breast cancer screening.
Yes, the Well-Woman visit is a great opportunity to discuss any health concerns, including menstrual irregularities, sexual health, mental health, weight management, and family planning. Your healthcare provider can address these issues and guide you on preventive health measures.
Most health insurance plans, including those under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), cover preventive services like Well-Woman visits at no additional cost. It is a good idea to confirm with your insurance provider to understand any specific coverage details.