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7 Questions to Ask at Your Next Well-Woman Exam
Regular well-woman visits play a vital role in helping you stay healthy, especially as you get older. Getting the most from your visit means asking questions so you can ensure your healthcare plan is completely focused on your unique needs.
As a leading women’s health practice in Clifton and Paramus, New Jersey, Feminine Urgicare offers comprehensive well-woman exams tailored to each woman’s evolving needs.
Here, learn seven simple questions you can ask at your next exam to help you keep your health plan on track.
1. Am I up to date on health screenings and vaccines?
Health screenings help identify potential health issues in their earliest stages so they can be treated as soon as possible. Pap smears, HPV tests, and mammograms are important for detecting cancers, and they may also be used to identify women at increased risk of developing cancer, even before cancer occurs.
Bone-density testing, cardiovascular disease screening, and blood sugar (glucose) measurements are examples of other essential screenings that should be performed regularly.
Our team can also recommend vaccines to help prevent disease, based on your specific risk factors.
2. How can I protect myself against STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases are common, and without treatment, they can cause serious health problems. Regular STD screening is important for protecting yourself and to prevent unknowingly passing an infection to someone else.
The CDC maintains up-to-date guidelines for STD screening based on personal factors, like your age and sexual activity.
During your visit, engaging in an open discussion is vital so we can recommend the proper screenings to keep you healthy.
3. What are my contraceptive options?
Today, there are lots of options when it comes to contraception, and it’s not uncommon for women to change their birth control method as new methods become available or as their needs and preferences change.
During your visit, ask our team about available methods that might be a better fit for your lifestyle. If you plan on becoming pregnant, we can help you take steps to prepare your body, too.
4. Is my menstrual cycle normal?
An average menstrual cycle lasts about 3-5 days, with cycles occurring about every 28 days. However, some birth control methods can alter this pattern. Still, if your periods fall outside those norms, it could be a sign of an underlying problem, and it should absolutely be mentioned during your visit.
Depending on your symptoms, health history, and other factors, we may recommend additional screening or lab tests to determine the cause. It’s also important to let our team know if you experience very heavy bleeding, pass a lot of clots, spotting between periods, or severe cramping during your cycle.
5. What should I do about __?
Remember, your well-woman exam is intended to help you manage your whole health, not just your reproductive health. Your visit is the ideal time to talk about any other health concerns you may have, including concerns about:
- Blood pressure or heart health
- Weight
- Exercise
- Sleep troubles
- Menopause symptoms
- Stress or emotional issues
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Family planning
- Fatigue or other unusual symptoms
Our team is dedicated to helping you find the answers to your questions and the solutions to all your health and wellness needs.
6. Where can I find help for mental health concerns?
Millions of people experience depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues, yet many people have no idea how to seek help.
Mental health issues are very treatable, and like any health issue, early and appropriate care is critical.
Our team can help you find the resources you need to find a solution that works for you.
7. What steps can I take to stay healthy?
Women’s health needs change as they progress through life, and playing a proactive role in your wellness journey ensures your health stays optimized at every age.
Ask our team about personalized advice to help you adopt healthier habits regarding nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, stress management, and other factors affecting your health and well-being.
Take control of your health and wellness
Your well-woman exam is the perfect time to ask questions that can help you feel more empowered about your own health journey.
To schedule your next well-woman exam, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, or via telehealth today.