A well-woman exam involves a series of tests and examinations, including a physical exam, Pap test, blood work, and STD screening. The exact components of the exam vary from woman to woman and are decided upon by her doctor; women can also request certain tests, such as a specific STD test or a pregnancy test. In general, well-woman exams include:
 
Physical Screening — The physical screening includes measuring height and weight, checking blood pressure, recording the patient’s age, when their most recent menstrual period occurred, and discussing family history.
 
Vaginal Exam & Pap Test — In certain situations, a Pap smear is performed to check for precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix. The vagina is held open using a speculum, allowing the physician to see the cervix.
 
Breast Exam — Breast cancer is a common disease and can be detected early by receiving regular breast exams; the breasts are inspected for changes in skin texture and shape, as well as for lumps and nipple discharge.

STD Screening — Typically offered only upon request, or based on the physician’s judgment after assessing the individual’s sexual activity, a well-woman exam can check for signs of common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and herpes.

Most women have their first well-woman exam around the age of 18; patients over the age of 21 should receive a well-woman exam annually. These exams are recommended every year to detect any changes in the body that could indicate the development of disease, including cervical cancer and breast cancer. If a woman waits longer than a year between exams, early warning signs could avoid detection and develop from a small, easily treatable problem into a serious condition that requires more interventional treatments.

While there are many doctors that provide care for women, Dr. Humera Naqvi at the Medical Office of Katy specializes in women’s health and has received advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexual and reproductive health problems.

The first well-woman exam at the Medical Office of Katy involves a patient-physician discussion; we use this opportunity to get to know each of our patients, including their lifestyle, medical history, family history, current health status, and sexual activity. We build on this information each visit and use it as a baseline to provide individualized care. For example, if a patient has a family history of endometriosis, we will take extra care to ensure that they receive the proper preventative care, as well as focus on detecting early signs of the condition. After getting to know the patient, we perform a physical exam to assess their physical health, and a pelvic exam to assess their reproductive health. We will also discuss birth control options and STD screenings with the patient, and ask them if they have any health concerns they would like addressed. Board-Certified Dr. Humera Naqvi can help you diagnose a vast amount of health conditions and treat a near-endless list of injuries, illnesses, and disorders. We serve patients from Katy TX, Park Row TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Brookshire TX, Pittsville TX and Mission Bend TX.