A well-woman medical exam is an essential component of preventative healthcare for women. It entails physical examination, breast and pelvic exams and Pap smears – plus provides an opportunity to discuss any concerns you have about your health.
Prep yourself for your exam by writing down your family medical history before visiting your physician and compiling a list of medications and dosages to be prescribed by them.
Breast Examination
An annual breast exam is an integral component of women wellness checkup, helping detect early signs of cancer and other health conditions. Careful examination should be made of your breasts for any signs of asymmetry, changes in shape or size and puckering/dimpling as these could indicate possible malignant conditions or medical issues. Also pay close attention to any discharge from the nipple that could indicate infection or another medical issue.
Women should undergo both a breast and blood pressure examinations regularly. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attacks – one of the leading causes of mortality in America. High blood pressure can be managed with lifestyle modifications and diet, but regular medical screenings will detect any irregularities before they become serious and require intervention.
Niraamaya Clinic provides Women’s Wellness Checkups as the ideal way to monitor overall health. They include breast examinations, urinalysis tests and other measures designed to identify any potential issues before they worsen, helping you remain healthy throughout life. For regular checkups in Noida visit Niraamaya Clinic to book an appointment with Dr. Bhumika Shukla; Practo also features stories highlighting her experience and expertise.
Urinary Tract Infections
Your urinary tract helps rid your body of liquid waste (pee) by storing it in the bladder and then passing it out through a tube called the urethra. When bacteria (germs) get into your urinary tract, an infection or UTI occurs; roughly half of women and those assigned female at birth will experience one at some point during their lives; though UTIs can easily be treated using antibiotics, left untreated they can lead to more serious health issues and be life-threatening.
Women, beginning during teenage years, should undergo an annual well-woman exam conducted by a primary care provider and which may include pelvic examination and breast exam. A well-woman exam differs from an annual physical in that it includes pelvic exam and breast exam as part of its examination protocol.
Well-woman exams often include screening tests that detect disease and help prevent illness. The type and frequency of screenings will depend on your age, family history and individual risk factors; typically women’s health specialists will recommend tests for ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections; depending on your age you may also receive the HPV vaccine or Pap test.
Most health insurance plans cover preventive screenings free of charge; it’s best to check with your provider to understand exactly which ones apply.
Blood Pressure Measurement
Your provider will take your blood pressure with an arm cuff, listen to your heart, lungs, abdomen and thyroid; assess thyroid activity; perform a breast exam including visual inspection of tissues as well as palpation (feeling of tissue with hands); ask you about family history as well as any medications taken and any family members who have experienced cancer or had abortions; as well as discuss any family histories related to either event.
Your doctor may suggest routine screenings, vaccinations or education during your annual well-woman exam. It’s important to be honest with your provider regarding any concerns you may have pertaining to mental health, sexuality or all forms of abuse; never feel embarrassed bringing up these topics as providers should always respond without judgement and will respectably respond in return.
Women wellness checkups differ from annual physicals in terms of both purpose and focus; making these appointments a top priority is important. Your gynecologist will primarily focus on reproductive health during these visits; however, these appointments also present an opportunity to discuss overall wellbeing.
At minimum, women should receive a comprehensive annual health-women exam or as frequently as directed by their OB-GYN. This appointment allows you to build relationships with this specialist as well as address risks specific to women’s health.
Heart Attacks
Heart attacks occur when blood supply to the heart is drastically restricted or cut off, leaving its muscles without oxygen for prolonged periods. Clots typically form when plaque builds up in coronary arteries supplying the heart with blood (coronary arteries) resulting in atherosclerosis; sometimes when this plaque ruptures it forms blood clots at its site that deprive the heart of oxygen resulting in heart attacks. Other possible triggers could include lack of oxygen (hypoxemia) or excess fluid around lungs (pulmonary edema).
People experiencing a heart attack require emergency treatment to restore blood flow to their heart. They may receive medication, or in more extreme cases have surgery to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. Recognizing warning signs is key and calling 911 as quickly as possible to get care.
Doctors will initially ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. Blood tests such as cholesterol, creatine kinase and potassium may be performed, as well as looking for signs of cardiac troponin (which indicates damaged heart muscle) release into your system.
Vivek Pal