As women, we focus a lot on taking care of everyone and everything around us, but in order to do this well, we need to first focus on ourselves. Preventive care may not feel important right now in light of overwhelming responsibilities or concerns around COVID-19, but taking care of yourself — and protecting your long-term health — should never be an afterthought. One of the most important things you can do is attend annual well-woman exams. These exams are typically performed by an OB/GYN or your primary care provider.
“We use this time to check on your physical, mental and emotional health, and to make sure that we address any questions or issues that you may be having. My goal as an OB/GYN is to make sure that every woman feels knowledgeable and empowered in her wellness, health, sexuality and reproductive goals,” says Dr. Mary Langenstroer, board-certified OB/GYN with a passion for educating women on being proactive and confident in their health.
Preventive Care
Prevention and early detection of diseases or disorders are a key component of women’s health. During your well-woman exam, “we check vital signs, such as blood pressure, perform a comprehensive physical exam, and conduct age-based screenings. Cancer screenings such as pap smears, breast exams and colon cancer screenings are very important. We may also recommend other tests depending on your specific family history or symptoms,” said Dr. Langenstroer.
In some cases, your doctor will be able to identify a condition even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. The earlier a condition is caught, the easier it is to treat.
This is important for women of all ages and stages. “Regardless of menopausal status, or even if you’ve had a hysterectomy, it is still very important to have a checkup to address breast health, vaginal health, bladder function, as well as overall physical and mental well-being,” says Dr. Langenstroer.
Mental Checkup
Gynecologists are here to help you with any health-related concerns, including physical symptoms, but they’re also here to make sure you are supported in your mental and emotional health. Your well-woman exam is the perfect time to have a one-on-one discussion with your doctor about your health goals.
Dr. Langenstroer shares that “many women discuss life stressors, hormonal issues, psychological well-being and reproductive health with their OB/GYN. This is a great time for us to also address sexual health or other areas in our lives that may be difficult to talk about, but very important for our mental well-being.”
Once your well-woman exam is complete and all your questions are answered, your provider will work with you to create a plan of care that is catered to you. This plan may include lifestyle changes, new medication, counseling or referrals. Whatever your treatment may be, rest assured our team will be there for you every step of the way.
Get Connected to the Best Women’s Care in Orlando
At AdventHealth for Women, we’re here to support you through every age and stage of life with experts at the best hospital for women’s care in Orlando, according to U.S. News & World Report. Find an OB/GYN or connect with our Women’s Health Navigator to find the care you need at HerHealthNavigator.com.