The annual health assessment or well-woman visit is a fundamental part of medical care and is valuable in promoting prevention practices, recognizing risk factors for disease, identifying medical problems, and establishing the clinician–patient relationship. A well-woman visit with Dr. Norris typically includes screening, evaluation and counseling, physical examination, and immunizations based on age and risk factors. The interval for specific individual services and the scope of services provided may vary depending on individual patient needs and risk factors.
How to Prepare
- Try to schedule an appointment between menstrual periods. Menstrual fluid can interfere with the exam as well as lab tests.
- We recommend not to have vaginal intercourse or insert anything into the vagina, including douchesor vaginal products, for at least 24 hours before the visit. Sexual activity may irritate the vaginal tissue and increase the chance of incorrect Pap test results.
- Prepare a list of any questions and concerns for your gynecologist prior to the appointment. Your gynecologist needs to know about any irregular vaginal bleeding, discharge, odor, or pain.
- Know the date your last period started and how long your periods usually last.
What to Expect
At the beginning of the visit, a nurse or medical assistant will record some basic measurements such as weight, blood pressure, and date of the start of your last menstrual period. Before the exam begins, you will be given a paper or cloth gown and privacy to undress.
Your well-woman visit can include discussions about personal and family medical history, sexual history, safe sex and alternative contraceptive options. Appointments are also a great time for you to address any questions you may have, including questions about irregular periods, vaginal discharge, STIs, and pregnancy tests.
It is perfectly normal to feel nervous about the breast and pelvic exams, since they focus on private areas of the body. However, try not to worry, these exams are routine procedures for the physician, and many patients are often surprised and relieved to find out that the breast and pelvic exams are quick and relatively painless.
- Well Woman Visits (at least 1 annually)
- All FDA-approved contraceptive methods and contraceptive counseling
- Mammograms
- Pap tests
- HIV and other STD screening and counseling
- Domestic violence screening and counseling
- BRCA testing and counseling
- Osteoporosis screening after age 60 for women without risk factors
- Tobacco use screening, treatments, and counseling