Women’s health exams, also known as well-woman exams, are routine checkups with your provider at Upper Echelon Medical. They’re similar to an annual physical but focus on your reproductive and sexual health.

Women’s health issues are a common problem. They can include:

• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• Irregular menstruation
• Endometriosis
• Uterine polyps
• Ovarian cysts
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Yeast infections
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Menopause symptoms
• Breast, ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers

In addition, women often have problems with hormone imbalances, may struggle to stay at a healthy weight, and could develop mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

A women’s health exam enables your Upper Echelon Medical provider to find and treat any medical conditions before they reach an advanced stage.

Early identification and treatment are more cost-effective, save time, avoid unnecessary pain and suffering, and could save your life.

Upper Echelon Medical operates direct primary care. That means your women’s health exams are included with your membership, with no co-pays or surprise bills.

The first part of your women’s health exam is a chat with your provider about your current health, how you’re coping with any existing medical conditions, and any problems you experience. Your provider checks your medical history and might inquire about any family history of conditions like breast cancer.

Next, your Upper Echelon Medical provider performs a physical exam. They listen to your heart and lungs, measure your blood pressure, and check you for any signs of disease. Your provider can tell a lot about your health by looking at your skin, hair, nails, eyes, and gums. They also assess your mental health and musculoskeletal function.

Finally, your provider performs a pelvic exam. They open your vagina with an instrument called a speculum, look at your cervix, and take a cell sample (Pap smear) if you’re due for one. The sample goes to the lab, where they test it for human papillomavirus infection and early signs of cervical cancer.

Your provider offers information and assistance with any health issues that arise, from treating infections and providing chronic care to weight loss programs and healthy living advice.

To arrange your women’s health exam, call Upper Echelon Medical today or book an appointment online.