As an essential part to your general and sexual health, a well-woman exam
is recommended every year to test for any abnormalities and so that you
can talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have, including birth
control options. At Women’s Health at Valley View, our team of board-certified
OB/GYNs are well equipped to provide thorough well-woman exams for women
in Glenwood Springs, Basalt, and Silt, CO. With several offered tests,
we are able to detect any issues before they develop further and provide
you with necessary referrals or treatment options. We also work to build
an open and honest relationship with our patients so that they feel comfortable
when visiting our practice for an exam. Contact one of our locations today
to schedule your comprehensive well-woman exam.
Your Appointment
Depending on your age and any existing concerns, your well-woman exam may
consist of several different examinations and diagnostic tests. Prior
to the exam, we will take your height, weight, blood pressure, temperature,
and pulse. You will then answer some questions asked to you by a member
of our staff regarding any problems you are experiencing, how you are
currently feeling, and the date of your last menstrual cycle. One of our
experienced OB/GYNs will then perform a few different examinations, including
the following:
Pelvic Exam
During a pelvic exam, both the external and internal area of the pelvic
area will be inspected. As you lie on the examination table, your OB/GYN
may manually feel with two gloved fingers the ovaries, uterus, and cervix
while simultaneously pushing on the abdomen in order to detect any abnormalities.
Additionally, they will insert a speculum in order to obtain a better
view of both the vaginal walls and the cervix. In a pelvic exam, your
doctor will be looking for any signs of infection, as well as moles, sores,
discharge, discoloration, or other irregularities.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear is provided in order to test for human papillomavirus (HPV),
precancerous, and cancer cells. During the test, a speculum is inserted
into the vaginal opening and a brushing technique is used to collect cells
from the cervix. These cells are then sent to a laboratory for testing.
Breast Exam
For a breast examination, your OB/GYN will manually feel each breast and
underarm area. They are looking for any lumps or other abnormalities.
Mammogram
A mammogram is used as a test to detect breast cancer. During the procedure,
a thorough x-ray image is taken of each breast. Mammograms are recommended
annually for all women over the age of 40 or earlier if there is a family
history of breast cancer.
Additional Testing
Based on your age or symptoms, we may request additional testing outside
of the regular well-woman visit or send you to a specialist with a referral
for a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Additional follow-up
tests could include (but are not limited to):
Sexually transmitted disease testing
Ultrasounds or sonograms
Updates on immunizations
Colonoscopy
What to Expect
During any part of your exam, if abnormalities are found, we may recommend
additional testing, provide referrals, or suggest treatment options. For
certain tests, samples may be sent to a lab for evaluation and we will
contact you once we receive your results. Feel free to schedule a consultation
if you have any questions or concerns prior to or after your well-woman exam.
Exceptional Gynecology Care
It is important to be proactive with your health, especially when given
the ability to detect issues before they develop any further. During a
well-woman exam, our experienced team of board-certified OB/GYNs will
perform a series of tests to evaluate any irregularities that may need
additional treatments. Contact one of our Colorado locations to learn
more and to schedule your annual well-woman exam.
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