The midwives of Vivante Midwifery & Women's Health are eager to serve women between
pregnancies or women who have not had, or do not intend, a pregnancy. There are a number of services we
offer related to an annual exam or well-woman exam. An annual exam or well-woman exam is an opportunity to
focus just on you and your needs or concerns. We schedule a full hour for these exams because we want the
time to fully understand and evaluate your specific situation. We view this exam as a time to discuss and
exchange new health information about women's health concerns. While a physical exam is involved, the majority
of the time is spent in reviewing your specific history and questions and responding to those.
We have a particular
interest in working with young women who may be obtaining a Pap test or pelvic exam for the very first time. It
is important that the first time be a positive experience, not a frightening or painful one. We know the
idea of a pelvic exam can cause anxiety, and we are committed to spending lots of time educating a young woman about
exactly what's involved, how it is done, and what she can learn about her body. We take extra time with the physical
exam and move at the pace set by the client herself. This is also true for women who have had prior negative experiences
with pelvic exams or who have had pelvic trauma of some sort in the past.
An annual exam
or well-woman exam includes the following:
- review
of personal health history
- review of pregnancy history and gynecologic history
- review of menstrual history and current menstrual cycles
- review of contraceptive history
and current contraceptive use and/or needs
- review of health and safety habits
- review of selected family history factors
- review and discussion of specific
concerns or questions
- physical exam which includes, at a minimum, examination of the following:
- thyroid
- breasts
- heart and lungs
- skin
- abdomen
- pelvic exam including a speculum exam (looking at the vagina and end of the womb) and bimanual exam (feeling
the uterus and ovaries)
- any tests that are necessary (Pap smear, tests for vaginal
or pelvic infections, etc.)
An annual exam may also include contraceptive
counseling or provision of contraceptive devices such as a diaphragm or IUD or birth control pills. It may include
testing for specific health concerns such as anemia, diabetes, or thyroid problems. Sometimes women have sexual
concerns or questions that can be evaluated and discussed. The range of topics is as varied as women themselves.
