Your GoodRx Guide to the Well-Woman Examination

It might seem strange to think about going to the doctor’s office if you’re not feeling sick. But, even if you’re healthy, it’s a great idea to check in with your primary care provider from time to time for a wellness exam. 

A wellness exam (sometimes called a “well-woman” exam) is a preventive care visit for women. Preventive care is medical care that helps to find problems — and treat them — before they become too serious. In other words, having a yearly wellness exam can help you stay healthy. That’s why physicians recommend that all women have an annual (yearly) wellness exam, starting in the teenage years.

A quick note before we get started. Though our language here mainly centers on cisgender women with typically female reproductive anatomy, at GoodRx we know that women (and their health needs) come in many different variations. All people are welcome here.

What happens during a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is a yearly visit to your doctor’s office to check on your overall health. 

A lot of the time, a wellness visit focuses on your reproductive health. This often means checking on your vagina, uterus, or breasts. But in reality, this doesn’t have to be the only focus. A well-woman exam can be a chance for you and your primary care provider to talk about whatever is on your mind when it comes to your physical, mental, and sexual health. 

A well-woman exam usually starts like any other doctor’s office visit. You’ll get checked in at the clinic, then meet with a healthcare professional privately in an exam room. Depending on what type of exam you’ll be having, they may ask you to undress and put on a surgical gown (it’s OK to say no to this if you don’t feel comfortable). 

When you meet with your primary care provider, they’ll typically start with an interview — then move on to a physical exam, if needed. 

Here are some topics they might cover during the interview:

• Your personal medical history

• Your family medical history

• Whether or not you use tobacco, alcohol, or other substances

• Your exercise and eating habits

• Your pregnancy and childbirth history

• Your menstruation history

• Your mental health

• Your past and current sexual activities

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After talking with you for a while, they will do a physical exam. In some cases, this will include a pelvic exam or a breast exam. During the exam, they will let you know what’s happening at all times. It’s OK to ask questions, or to ask the healthcare team to stop if you feel uncomfortable at any time. 

At the end of the visit, your primary care provider will likely have some recommendations for you. This may include changes to medications or your daily habits. They might also ask you to go for lab tests or other procedures. They’ll also let you know which — if any — vaccinations are right for you (such as COVID, shingles, and the flu). 

The healthcare team should also leave some time for you to ask questions. But if they don’t ask — don’t be shy! Remember that your wellness visit is a great time to bring up anything on your mind. 

Health screenings to expect during your well-woman visit

Health screenings are tests that doctors do to find out if there are any problems in your body, even if you don’t feel sick. The right ones for you depend on your age, your medical history, your risk factors, and your personal preferences. 

Here are some screening tests that are often included in an annual wellness visit:

• Hypertension screening (high blood pressure) 

• Cervical cancer screening 

• Breast cancer screening

• Screening for intimate partner violence

• Screening for major depression

• Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Colorectal cancer screening

• Osteoporosis screening

Some of these screening tests can be done at your doctor’s office during the interview and physical exam. Other times, you may need to go to another lab or clinic to have the test done, like if you’re having a colonoscopy or mammogram. 

Women’s health screenings by age

Well-woman health screenings change with age. Here’s a general overview of the health screenings that you should have throughout your lifetime. 

Ages 13 to 20:

• STI testing and/or pregnancy testing if sexually active

• Check-in conversations about birth control options if needed

Ages 21 to 29:

• Pregnancy and STI testing as needed

• Pelvic exam and cervical cancer screening (Pap test) every 3 years

• Yearly breast exam, starting at age 25

• Check-in conversations about family planning and birth control as needed

Ages 30 to 50:

• Pregnancy and STI testing as needed

• Pelvic exam and cervical cancer screening (Pap or HPV test) every 3 to 5 years

• Yearly breast exams

• Mammograms from 40 years old (or earlier, if high risk)

• Check-in conversations about family planning and birth control as needed

50s and beyond:

• Pregnancy and STI testing as needed

• Pelvic exam and cervical cancer screening (Pap or HPV test) every 3 to 5 years until age 65

• Yearly breast exams

• Mammograms every 2 years until age 74

• Check-in conversations about birth control, as needed until menopause or age 50 to 55

Keep in mind that these are just general recommendations. Health screenings aren’t a one-size-fits-all model. Your primary care provider will personalize your health screenings based on your risk factors, your medical history, and your individual preferences. 

How can you prepare for a well-woman exam?

It can be hard to know exactly how to prepare for a well-woman exam. Here are some tips that can help you have a successful visit:

• Know your medications. Bring a list of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter meds and supplements. And bring information about the type of birth control you’re using, if any. 

• Know your menstrual cycle. If you menstruate, keep track of your period dates and bring them with you. Your healthcare team will ask about the first date of your last period and how long your cycle usually lasts. 

• Bring previous test results with you. If you’ve had screenings or tests in the past (like a Pap smear or mammogram), bring the dates and results with you. This is especially helpful if you’re seeing a new healthcare professional. 

• Bring a friend or family member for support. If you’re feeling nervous or uncomfortable about your visit, consider bringing another person with you for support. 

• Bring your questions. Remember that your wellness visit is a good time to bring up any questions or concerns you have. Your primary care provider is a great resource for learning about your body as well as your mental, physical, and sexual health. 

Do you need to do anything special to prepare for your exam?

Not really. If you’re having a Pap smear, it’s a good idea to hold off on having sex a day or two before your appointment. But other than that, there’s nothing special you need to do to prepare. 

You also don’t need to douche, or worry about “cleaning” your vaginal area too much. (Keep in mind that douching is never recommended under any circumstances, and it can actually cause health problems.) Overcleaning can irritate your genitals. In some cases, it can even make it hard for healthcare professionals to get accurate test results.  

Can you get a pelvic exam or Pap smear if you have your period?

Yes. It’s absolutely fine to go to the doctor’s office  if you have your period — even if you’re scheduled for a pelvic exam or Pap smear. Just be aware that if you’re actively bleeding, it’s possible that this could affect your test results.  

Can you get birth control or STI testing without seeing a doctor?

Yes. If you need birth control or STI testing, you don’t need to wait for your annual wellness exam. 

Certain states let you get your birth control prescription directly from a pharmacist, without having to see a doctor. And when it comes to STI testing, there are many different types of at-home STI kits available. It’s also possible to get birth control and STI testing through a telehealth (virtual) doctor’s visit.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Angela Dunn, MD, MPH

Angela Dunn, MD, MPH, is a public health physician practicing in Utah, with a focus on serving under-resourced communities.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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