Well Woman Exam Specialist

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is an annual examination that checks to be sure that you’re healthy and catches any problems as early as possible. Well-woman exams should be considered part of your normal care-taking routine, like a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Another benefit of a well-woman exam is that it gives you a chance to develop a health partnership with Amy or another team member at The Women’s Centre. You can ask questions about issues that concern you, discuss fertility problems, or explore the best type of birth control for your needs.

What happens at a well-woman exam?

During your well-woman exam — and with your permission — Amy conducts a pelvic examination to be sure your reproductive organs feel healthy. She may also palpate your breasts for abnormalities. Another team member can be present for your increased comfort.

Amy may also teach you about issues that could be of concern to you, based on your stage of life and lifestyle. You can learn how to minimize your risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and how to recognize gynecological problems at an early stage.  

If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you can discuss your symptoms with Amy. She may prescribe medications to alleviate your discomfort or refer you to The Women’s Centre expert Dr. John Dulemba for further evaluation or surgery, if necessary.

If it’s time to renew your immunizations, Amy can do that for you, too. You can feel free to raise any health issues with Amy, even if they’re not strictly gynecologically-related.

Do I get tested during a well-woman exam?

Depending on your age, symptoms, and the date of your last test, Amy may also perform or recommend the following tests:

• Pap smear to check for cervical cancer
• Mammogram or breast ultrasound to check for breast cancer
• Blood tests to check for STDs, hormone levels, and thyroid function
• Urine tests to check for kidney function and infections

If Amy detects abnormalities, or if you have troubling symptoms, she may refer you to Dr. Dulemba or The Women’s Centre urogynecological expert Dr. Suhas Mantri. Whenever possible, all procedures are performed at The Women’s Centre.

To schedule your well-woman exam, contact the helpful team at The Women’s Centre by phone or the online appointment form.