Well Woman Visits

It's very easy to be confused at the difference between a pelvic exam and a Pap smear, and when each should take place. A well woman visit is an annual exam that consists of a pelvic exam, but not necessarily a Pap smear. Pap smears used to be given annually, but studies shown that that actually was more harmful than helpful.

So what is the difference between Pap smear and well woman visit? Well woman exams consist of much more than just a pelvic exam. A well woman exam cover a range of issues pertaining to women’s health issue, such as; breast exams, STI testing, dispense birth control prescription, and a more detailed examination for women who have had total hysterectomies, but are having symptoms possibly related to cancer.

So what exactly is pelvic exam? A pelvic exam is when your gynecologist inserts a gloved finger into your vagina, while pressing down on your lower abdomen. There are several reasons for this:

• It can give a warning that a woman's uterus is starting to prolapse, meaning that the muscles holding it in place have weakened and it is slipping out of place and down towards the vagina. This can happen after pregnancies, so it can affect both younger and older women.
• If a woman's organs seem stuck together that could be a sign of endometriosis. Findings on the exam might prompt a doctor to ask whether the woman is having pain during intercourse.
• In younger women, the exam can offer doctors a chance to teach women about their bodies.

Those opposed feel that a pelvic exam isn’t a good indicator of uterine cancer. Dr. Jennifer Potter, director of the Women's Health Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School. Dr. Potter says that “Beyond the discomfort caused by the exam, there are more dangerous downsides, Potter. For example, when doctors find something that feels amiss, women may get further diagnostics including surgeries they wouldn't 

Many women follow their well woman exam schedule to the letter, which is important because cancerous symptoms can show up between scheduled Pap smears, and the well woman visit gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have with your doctor. I would say that for that reason alone, the well woman visit is important.

xoxo Jennie