May is National Women’s Health Month and to celebrate we are raising awareness on what women can do to prioritize their health.
One of the biggest steps you can take to prioritize your health is to get your annual well-woman checkup. Women’s preventive services can significantly improve health outcomes and save tens of thousands of lives per year by helping catch conditions early, when they may be easier to treat.
Not sure what goes on during a well-woman exam? Keep reading to find out what you can expect and learn why cancer screenings are important.
Health Review
Your well-woman exam can be done either at your primary care provider’s office or by a gynecologist. Your visit will likely start with a review of your health history. Come to your appointment prepared to answer questions about your medical history, prescriptions, diet, exercise habits and more.
If you have questions about your health, now is the time to ask. Talk to your health care team about:
- Contraception needs: Your provider can review your options for contraception in detail. Compass Rose Health Plan members have access to robust benefits for contraceptive care.
Learn more about our contraception coverage
- Preconception: If you are planning to have a baby within the next year, talk to your provider about prenatal care, like vitamins or routine check-ups.
- Sexual health history: Discussing sexual health offers opportunities to screen for and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many common STIs don’t have obvious symptoms. The only way to know if you have one is through screening, which can be performed at your well-woman appointment.
- Managing symptoms of menopause: Going through menopause can be overwhelming. A gynecologist can provide tips and treatment strategies to help you manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms for a better quality of life.
- Pelvic health concerns: If you notice changes in bathroom use or start experiencing bothersome symptoms in your pelvis, it is important to talk to your health care team so you can receive the right treatment and diagnosis.