Holistic Well Woman Exams
What to Expect at a Well Woman Exam at a Naturopathic Clinic
Our goal is to make you feel at ease and in control of your health. You will be welcomed into a warm and supportive environment where we start our conversation by taking the time to get to know you, discussing your medical history and any specific concerns or symptoms you may have. Additional topics that may be discussed include menstrual health, contraception, sexual health, and menopause. The next part of the visit includes the screening physical exams. Understanding the sensitive nature of these exams, we proceed at a pace that aligns with your comfort level, ensuring that you feel respected and heard throughout the process. Our ultimate goal with these appointments is to not only assess your health but to educate and empower you, enabling you to make informed decisions about your well-being.
As Naturopathic doctors, we like to have ample time to sit down with you to listen to your medical history, obtain a comprehensive health assessment and order any relevant tests. We have observed that scheduling only an annual exam often restricts our ability to thoroughly review your health history. In order to best serve you, our policy is to schedule an appointment with one of our providers prior to your annual exam, as this allows us the necessary time to gain a deeper understanding of your health and review any meaningful labs at the annual visit.
The annual exam includes:
- Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer
- Bimanual exam to assess uterine and ovarian health
- Pelvic floor assessment and recommendations
- Breast exam and referrals for mammograms
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections
- Heart, lung, thyroid and abdominal exam
- Discussion and referrals for other screening/preventative procedures
Why should I complete an annual exam if I’m not due for a pap?
We recognize that well woman exams can be daunting due to previous challenging experiences or fear. At Amber Wellness Group, our goal is to offer comfortable and compassionate care that empowers you to make informed decisions about your body and your health. We recommend well woman exams yearly even if you are not due for a Pap test as they serve as a holistic assessment of overall health and wellbeing. They allow us to assess your gynecological and breast health, while also providing a space to discuss other health concerns and order appropriate tests and referrals. We want you to feel heard, cared for, and empowered to make choices that are right for your health. Regular well woman exams are an act of self-care that contribute to early detection and prevention, promoting your long-term well-being and inner peace.
Screening Guidelines
Pap Test
It is recommended that all women ages 21-65 years old be screened for cervical cancer with a Pap test every 3 years, with the option to complete co-testing (Pap Test and HPV test) every 5 years after the age of 30. These recommendations may change based upon your individual situation and more routine testing may be necessary with any abnormal results or risk factors. It is still recommended to complete screening if you have the HPV vaccine.
Mammogram
It is recommended that all women ages 40-75 years old be screened for breast cancer on an annual or biennial basis. Recommendations may vary on an individual level based on risk factors.
Colonoscopy
It is recommended that everyone ages 45-75 years old be screened for colorectal cancer every 10 years. Recommendations may vary on an individual level based on risk factors.
Yearly Blood Work
Many practitioners will order basic screening blood work at your annual exam. At Amber Wellness Group, we want to make sure that we order all the lab assessments that make medical sense for your health and overall wellness. We will discuss all relevant labs at the visit prior to your annual exam taking into consideration your full health history.
Choosing Amber Wellness Group for your well woman exam means choosing a healthcare partner dedicated to your comfort, health, and empowerment. We’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier and happier you.