As a woman, the thought of getting an annual female exam can cause some anxiety. Sometimes, we avoid scheduling the appointment altogether! But it’s incredibly important not to put this off. Your annual female exam is an essential part of preventive care and maintaining your health throughout every stage of life.

During your appointment, you may undergo a pelvic exam, a breast exam, and you can discuss any additional screenings you might need. This visit helps build a stronger patient-provider relationship, can prevent and detect diseases early, and provides a one-on-one environment to discuss your health goals with your provider.

Prevention and early detection

Your annual female exam includes a breast and pelvic check-up to help identify any unusual symptoms, which may indicate cancer or other disease or illness. Early detection is key to receiving the treatment necessary.

Establish a patient-provider relationship

Similar to getting a routine primary care check-up, your annual female exam is a great way to build your medical history and establish a valuable and ongoing relationship with your provider. 

When you visit your provider regularly, they take notes during each appointment to build your medical history. They’ll be able to speak to your individual women’s care needs much more than if you schedule an appointment only when you have a health issue. Additionally, you’ll have much less anxiety during your exam when you’re seeing a provider you both know and trust.

Opportunity to discuss your overall women’s health goals

Your annual female exam gives you a chance to have an open discussion with your provider about more intimate topics regarding your health. Again, it’s much easier to have these kinds of conversations with a provider you trust.

These topics of discussion can include: 

• Family planning
• Prenatal care
• Birth control options
• Menopause symptoms

Women’s health care services

At Dopson Family Medical Center, we provide a full range of health and wellness resources for women’s care, including:

• Annual female exams (pap, pelvic, breast)
• Cervical cancer screening
• Breast cancer screening
• Osteoporosis screening

Our team is committed to the health and well-being of the residents in our community throughout every stage of life. Let us help you grow in good health! Schedule an appointment for your annual female exam with Dr. Kate Bennett, or Kassie Shoup, ARNP, by calling 904-259-7815.