Can a primary care provider perform women’s health screenings?

Yes, a primary care provider can and routinely does perform most women’s health screenings, including Pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exams, STI testing, and osteoporosis screening. At Serenity Choice Health, our women’s primary care providers are trained to handle the full range of preventive screenings that healthy women need, eliminating the need for a separate specialist for routine care.

What Women’s Health Screenings Primary Care Providers Perform

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear)

Primary care providers routinely perform Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. The Pap smear involves collecting cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities that could lead to cancer. Primary care providers also perform HPV testing (often done on the same sample) to check for high-risk strains of the virus that cause most cervical cancers.

Recommended frequency:

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

• Women ages 30 to 65: Every 3 to 5 years depending on whether HPV testing is done

Pelvic Exams

Primary care providers perform pelvic exams as part of routine well-woman care. The pelvic exam allows your provider to check the health of your reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. A pelvic exam can help detect abnormalities such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or signs of infection.

Clinical Breast Exams

Primary care providers perform clinical breast exams during routine wellness visits. Your provider will feel for lumps or other changes in your breast tissue and under your arms. Clinical breast exams are typically done annually as part of the well-woman visit.

Mammogram Referrals

While primary care providers do not perform mammograms themselves (these are done by radiology specialists), they order and refer patients for mammograms based on age and risk factors:

• Average risk women: Typically begin annual or biennial mammograms between ages 40 and 50

• Higher risk women: May start earlier or have additional imaging

Your primary care provider also reviews your mammogram results with you and recommends next steps.

STI Screening and Testing

Primary care providers screen for and test sexually transmitted infections including:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea (urine test or swab)

• HIV

• Syphilis

• Hepatitis B and C

• Herpes (when symptoms are present)

• Trichomoniasis

Frequency depends on your sexual activity, number of partners, and risk factors. Read about should I get tested after unprotected sex and how soon after sex should I get tested for STDs.

Osteoporosis Screening (Bone Density Testing)

Primary care providers screen for osteoporosis using bone density testing (DEXA scan). While the test itself is performed by radiology, your primary care provider orders the test, reviews the results, and manages treatment. Screening typically begins at age 65 for average risk women, or earlier if risk factors are present.

Blood Pressure Screening

Primary care providers check blood pressure at every wellness visit. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in women. Blood pressure screening is simple, painless, and potentially life-saving.

Cholesterol Screening (Lipid Panel)

Primary care providers order routine blood work to check cholesterol levels. High cholesterol has no symptoms but significantly increases heart disease and stroke risk. Screening typically begins at age 20 and repeats every 4 to 6 years for women at normal risk, more often if levels are elevated.

Diabetes Screening (Blood Sugar Testing)

Primary care providers screen for diabetes using blood tests including fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1C. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults ages 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese, with repeat screening every 3 years if normal.

Thyroid Screening

Primary care providers order thyroid function tests when symptoms suggest thyroid disorder (fatigue, weight changes, temperature intolerance, menstrual changes). Routine screening for all asymptomatic women is not recommended, but your provider will test based on your symptoms and risk factors.

What Screenings Primary Care Providers Generally Do Not Perform

While primary care providers handle most routine screenings, some specialized screenings require referral to other providers:

• Mammogram: Performed by radiology, ordered by primary care

• Bone density scan: Performed by radiology, ordered by primary care

• Colonoscopy: Performed by gastroenterology (though primary care orders the screening)

• Advanced gynecologic procedures: Colposcopy (for abnormal Pap follow-up), endometrial biopsy

• Infertility testing and treatment: Typically requires reproductive endocrinology

Why Choose a Primary Care Provider for Women’s Health Screenings

Continuity of care: Your primary care provider knows your complete health history, not just your reproductive health. This allows them to see the whole picture when interpreting screening results.

Convenience: You can have your Pap smear, STI testing, blood work, and blood pressure check all in one appointment, rather than scheduling separate visits with different providers.

Comprehensive prevention: Your primary care provider ensures you are up to date on all recommended screenings, not just gynecologic ones. They will remind you when you are due for mammograms, cholesterol checks, and other important tests.

Long-term relationship: Building a relationship with one provider over years allows them to notice subtle changes in your health that might be missed by seeing different providers each time.

How to Prepare for Your Women’s Health Screening Appointment

To get the most from your screening visit:

• Schedule your Pap smear when you are not having your period (heavy bleeding can affect results)

• Do not use vaginal medications, spermicides, or douches for 48 hours before your Pap smear

• Do not have intercourse for 24 to 48 hours before your Pap smear

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

• Know your family medical history, especially for breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer

• Write down any symptoms or concerns you want to discuss

What to Expect During a Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam

If you have never had a Pap smear or pelvic exam, knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety:

• You will undress from the waist down and wear a gown or drape

• You will lie on an exam table with your feet in supports (stirrups)

• Your provider will insert a speculum (a plastic or metal instrument) into your vagina to gently open it

• Your provider will use a small brush or spatula to collect cells from your cervix (this takes only a few seconds and may feel like light cramping)

• Your provider will remove the speculum and perform a bimanual exam (inserting two fingers into the vagina while pressing on your abdomen) to feel your uterus and ovaries

• The entire exam takes about 5 to 10 minutes

Read about can I get birth control without a pelvic exam if you have concerns about pelvic exams.

Can You Get Women’s Health Screenings Through Telehealth

Some screenings can be done through telehealth, but others require an in-person visit:

Telehealth appropriate:

• Reviewing screening results

• Discussing symptoms and concerns

• Ordering lab work (you go to a lab for blood draw)

• STI risk assessment and treatment

• Birth control consultations

In-person required:

• Pap smear and pelvic exam

• Clinical breast exam

• Blood pressure measurement

• Physical examination

At Serenity Choice Health, we offer telehealth abortion care and birth control contraceptive services through virtual visits, while in-person exams are available at our Matteson location.

Support at Serenity Choice Health

At Serenity Choice Health, our women’s primary care providers perform the full range of women’s health screenings, including Pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exams, STI testing, and chronic disease screening. We provide comprehensive women’s primary care services, STI STD testing, and birth control contraceptive services all in one place. We also offer abortion pill treatment and in-clinic abortion services at our Matteson location. Do you have questions about women’s health screenings or want to schedule your annual well-woman visit? Contact our medical team or book a confidential appointment today.