Well Woman Visits Specialist

Abilene Family Medical Associates

Family Medicine Physicians located in Abilene, Texas

Well-woman visits are essential for every woman because they’re uniquely focused on the reproductive system and female-specific concerns. The medical care providers at Abilene Family Medical Associates in Abilene, Texas, believe in supporting women through all stages of life, from childhood through the senior years. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today if you’re overdue for a well-woman visit.

Well Woman Visits Q & A

What do well-women visits include?

Your Abilene Family Medical Associates doctor discusses many different aspects of your life with you during a well-woman exam, including:

  • Menstrual cycles
  • Sexual behaviors
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Sleep, exercise, and dietary habits
  • Family planning goals
  • Emotional health
  • General physical health
  • Current and past medications
  • Birth control

Your doctor performs both a pelvic exam and a clinical breast exam during all well-women exams. If you need prescriptions for birth control, hormone replacement, or something else, your doctor can issue these during the exam.

You may also need some tests, depending on your age, health, and whether your doctor detects any warning signs of a health issue during the exam.

What kind of tests do I get at a well-woman visit?

Your doctor at Abilene Family Medical Associates recommends specific tests as they’re needed. These tests can include:

Pap test

In general, you should get a Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, to screen for cervical cancer every three years from ages 21-65. Pap tests are often combined with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and if you get both tests you may be able to test once every five years instead of once every three years.

Mammogram

You should start getting mammograms, which check for breast cancer, annually at age 40-44 and then continue until age 54. At age 55, you can usually have mammograms every two years instead. However, if your doctor notes any potential signs of breast cancer in your clinical breast exam, you may need a mammogram earlier than age 40 or in addition to your regularly scheduled ones.

Bone density scan

If you’re 65 or older, you’ll likely need bone density scans every one to two years based on your osteoporosis risk factors. If you’re under 65 but have at least one risk factor for osteoporosis, you may need to start testing early.

You might also need other tests, such as blood tests to check your hormone levels, based on your health needs, age, and symptoms.

How often do I need well-woman visits?

Well-woman visits should generally occur on an annual basis, but your Abilene Family Medical Associates doctor customizes a schedule for your needs. If you have serious reproductive health concerns or health issues, you may need more frequent visits.

Call Abilene Family Medical Associates or use online booking to schedule your well-woman visit today.