Well-woman exams are an essential part of preventive health care for women at every stage of life. At Sheridan Memorial Hospital Women’s Clinic, our compassionate providers make your annual exam as comfortable and straightforward as possible. These visits offer an overall assessment of your health with an extra focus on breast and gynecologic health.
Call Sheridan Memorial Hospital Women’s Clinic today to schedule your well-woman.
What is a well-woman exam?
Depending on your age, health history and risk factors, your provider may:
- Screen for breast, cervical, vulvar, vaginal, colon, lung, skin cancers, etc.
- Screen or provide guidance to prevent infectious disease such as hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis and STDs
- Conduct a bone health assessment, and prevention of osteoporosis
- Screen for heart health sand provide referrals as needed
- Provide mental health screenings and referrals when needed
- Evaluate and help manage of urinary incontinence
- Help prevent pregnancy
- Assist with fertility
- Provide pre-pregnancy counseling
- Provide menopause and perimenopausal care
- Provide a breast cancer risk assessment and discussion on breast cancer prevention options
- Discuss genetic testing for genes associated with breast or ovarian cancer
- Offer screening and referrals for substance and tobacco use disorders,
- Assess and help manage infertility
- Discuss and address menstrual irregularities
- Update immunizations
- Assess issues of intimate partner violence
The team at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Clinic are your full partners in healthcare. We are here to connect you with any additional resources you made need in your healthcare journey. Well-woman exams offer a thorough health evaluation and assessment.
How should I prepare for my annual exam?
Before your visit, be ready to share your:
- Personal medical history (pregnancies, surgeries, health conditions)
- Family medical history
- Current medications and dosages
Your provider may also ask questions such as:
- When was your last menstrual period?
- How long do your periods typically last?
- At what age did you start menstruating?
- Are you currently sexually active?
Having this information helps your doctor provide the most personalized care.
What happens during a well-woman exam?
Our providers will explain each step so you know what to expect.
- Breast exam – To check for lumps or changes that may indicate breast cancer.
- Pelvic exam – External examination for irritations, cysts, or abnormalities.
- Speculum exam – Allows your provider to view your cervix and vagina.
- Pap smear – A swab of cervical cells to test for cancerous or precancerous changes.
- Bimanual exam – Your provider checks your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
This exam provides a complete picture of your gynecologic health and is a key step in preventive women’s health care.
What conditions can a well-woman exam detect?
Most patients leave with no concerns. However, well-woman exams sometimes detect early signs of conditions such as:
- Urinary incontinence
- Breast, colon, cervical, vulvar, vaginal, uterine, skin, lung and other cancers
- Vulvar and vaginal conditions
- Sexual health conditions such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female orgasmic disorder or painful sex
- PCOS
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Menstrual problems including endometriosis, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids
- Pelvic infections
Early detection means earlier treatment and better outcomes.
Expert women’s health care in Sheridan
At Sheridan Memorial Hospital Women’s Clinic, our experienced team combines advanced technology with personalized, compassionate care. Whether you need routine screenings, family planning, or treatment for a health concern, you can trust us to support your long-term well-being.
If you’re due for your annual well-woman exam, call Sheridan Memorial Hospital Women’s Clinic today to schedule an appointment.