How often should women have a wellness exam?

Most healthy women should have a wellness exam once per year, even if they feel completely healthy. Annual well-woman visits allow your provider to perform preventive screenings, update immunizations, monitor chronic conditions, and address any health concerns before they become serious problems. Some women may need more frequent visits based on their medical history, age, or specific health conditions.

Why Annual Wellness Exams Matter?

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, an annual wellness exam is essential for maintaining your health over the long term. These visits are designed to:

• Detect health issues early when they are most treatable

• Update preventive screenings based on your age and risk factors

• Review and refill medications for chronic conditions

• Discuss any new symptoms or concerns you may have noticed

• Build a relationship with your provider so they understand your health history

What Happens During a Wellness Exam

A comprehensive well-woman visit typically includes:

• Review of your medical history, family history, and lifestyle habits

• Blood pressure and weight measurement

• Discussion of any current symptoms or concerns

• Preventive screenings based on your age and risk factors

• Immunization updates

• Counseling on birth control, sexual health, or other reproductive concerns

• Ordering of routine lab work as indicated

• Development of a personalized care plan

How Often Different Screenings Are Needed

While your wellness exam happens annually, not every screening is done every year. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your age, health history, and risk factors:

Pap Smear (Cervical Cancer Screening):

• Women ages 21 to 29: Every 3 years with normal results

• Women ages 30 to 65: Every 3 to 5 years depending on the type of test used

Pelvic Exam:

• Often performed annually as part of the well-woman visit, though guidelines vary

Breast Exam:

• Clinical breast exams are often performed annually

• Mammograms typically begin at age 40 or 50 depending on risk factors, usually every 1 to 2 years

Blood Pressure Screening:

• Checked at every wellness visit (annually or more often if elevated)

Cholesterol Screening:

• Typically every 4 to 6 years for women at normal risk, starting at age 20

• More frequently for women with risk factors or existing high cholesterol

Blood Sugar (Diabetes) Screening:

• Usually every 3 years starting at age 35, or earlier with risk factors

Bone Density (Osteoporosis) Screening:

• Typically once at age 65, or earlier with risk factors

STI Screening:

• Frequency depends on sexual activity, number of partners, and risk factors

Who May Need More Frequent Visits

Some women need wellness exams more often than once per year, including those with:

• Chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or thyroid disorders

• Ongoing mental health concerns including depression or anxiety

• Pregnancy or planning for pregnancy which requires more frequent monitoring

• Menopause or perimenopause to manage symptoms and monitor health changes

• Recent abnormal screening results requiring follow-up

• Multiple medications that need regular review and refill

What If You Are Healthy and Have No Symptoms

Annual wellness exams are just as important for healthy women as for those with medical conditions. Your body changes over time, and regular checkups help catch subtle changes before they become problems. Many serious conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early-stage cancers, have no symptoms in their early stages.

Can Some Services Be Done Through Telehealth

Yes. Not every part of your wellness exam requires an in-person visit. Telehealth appointments can be used for:

• Reviewing lab results

• Discussing new symptoms

• Adjusting medications

• Mental health consultations

• Birth control consultations and refills

At Serenity Choice Health, we offer telehealth abortion care and birth control contraceptive services through virtual visits. However, physical exams, Pap smears, and blood draws still require an in-person appointment.

What If You Missed Your Annual Exam

If you have missed your annual wellness exam, schedule one as soon as possible. Most preventive screenings do not require you to wait for a specific date. It is never too late to get back on track with your health.

Preparing for Your Wellness Exam

To get the most out of your annual visit:

• Bring a list of any medications you take (including over-the-counter and supplements)

• Note any symptoms or concerns you have noticed

• Know your family medical history (parents, siblings, children)

• Bring your insurance card and identification

• Write down questions you want to ask

Questions to Ask Your Provider During Your Wellness Exam

• “What screenings do I need based on my age and family history?”

• “Are my vaccinations up to date?”

• “Is my blood pressure and cholesterol where it should be?”

• “Do I need any lifestyle changes to reduce my health risks?”

• “When should I come back for my next visit?”

Support at Serenity Choice Health

At Serenity Choice Health, we provide comprehensive women’s primary healthcare services to patients throughout Illinois. Our licensed providers offer annual wellness exams, preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and reproductive health services including STI STD testing, birth control contraceptive services, and abortion pill treatment. We also offer in-clinic abortion services at our Matteson location. Do you have questions about scheduling your annual wellness exam or want to book an appointment? Contact our medical team or book a confidential appointment today.