What services are included in women’s primary care?

Women’s primary care includes a comprehensive range of services beyond the annual exam, covering preventive screenings, reproductive health, chronic disease management, mental health support, and lifestyle counseling—all tailored to the unique health needs of women at every stage of life . Think of it as your complete healthcare home, not just a place for yearly checkups .

Preventive Screenings and Annual Wellness Exams

Preventive care is the cornerstone of women’s primary care, focusing on keeping you healthy before problems arise . These services help detect potential issues early when they are most treatable.

Key preventive services include:

• Annual physicals and well-woman exams: Comprehensive health assessments that review your overall health, family history, and lifestyle factors 

• Blood pressure screening: Checked at every visit to monitor cardiovascular health 

• Cholesterol and blood sugar testing: Routine lab work to assess heart health and diabetes risk 

• Cancer screenings: Pap smears for cervical cancer screening (typically beginning at age 21, every 3 years with normal results), breast exams and mammogram referrals, and colorectal cancer screening based on age and risk 

• Bone density screening: Osteoporosis screening as women age 

• Biometric screenings: Comprehensive health measurements 

Reproductive and Gynecologic Health Services

Your primary care provider can address routine gynecologic concerns, often eliminating the need for a separate specialist visit.

Services include:

• Pelvic exams: Routine gynecologic examinations 

• Birth control and contraceptive counseling: Prescribing pills, patches, rings, and discussing IUDs, implants, and other methods 

• Pregnancy testing: Initial pregnancy confirmation and counseling 

• STI testing and counseling: Screening for sexually transmitted infections with confidential options available 

• Menopause and perimenopause management: Addressing symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and mood changes, including hormone therapy options when appropriate 

• Management of menstrual concerns: Irregular or painful periods, abnormal bleeding 

Management of Acute and Chronic Conditions

Your women’s primary care provider diagnoses, treats, and manages both sudden illnesses and long-term health conditions.

Acute (short-term) conditions commonly treated include:

• Respiratory infections (colds, flu, bronchitis, sinus infections)

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Minor injuries and illnesses 

Chronic (ongoing) conditions commonly managed include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol 

• Thyroid disorders

• Asthma

• Osteoporosis 

For chronic conditions, your provider develops individualized care plans, monitors your progress over time, and adjusts treatments as needed .

Mental Health and Behavioral Health Support

Your primary care provider can be your first line of support for mental health concerns.

Mental health services include:

• Screening for depression and anxiety during routine visits 

• Prescribing antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications when appropriate

• Behavioral health counseling and referrals to specialists when needed 

• Stress management guidance as part of lifestyle medicine 

Immunizations and Vaccinations

Preventive care includes staying up to date on recommended vaccines:

• Flu shots (annual) 

• HPV vaccine (cervical cancer prevention)

• Tdap, COVID-19, and other routine immunizations 

Lifestyle and Wellness Counseling

Women’s primary care looks at the whole picture of what impacts your wellbeing, including sleep, nutrition, stress, movement, and more .

Counseling services include:

• Nutrition and weight management guidance 

• Exercise and physical activity recommendations

• Smoking cessation support

• Healthy aging strategies 

What to Expect During a Well-Woman Visit

A comprehensive well-woman visit at Serenity Choice Health typically includes:

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

• Blood pressure and weight measurement

• Discussion of any current symptoms or concerns

• Preventive screenings based on your age and risk factors (e.g., Pap smear, mammogram referral)

• 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 

Telehealth Options for Women’s Primary Care

Not every healthcare concern requires an in-person visit. Telehealth women’s primary care appointments allow you to :

• Get prescription refills

• Receive follow-up care

• Discuss symptoms and concerns

• Access mental health support

Support at Serenity Choice Health

At Serenity Choice Health, we bring essential women’s healthcare services together in one place . We offer confidential STI STD testing, birth control contraceptive services, comprehensive women’s primary care, and reproductive health services including abortion pill treatment and telehealth abortion care. Our clinic locations in Chicago and Matteson serve women across the greater Chicago area with extended hours and flexible appointment options. Do you have questions about women’s primary care services or want to schedule a well-woman visit? Contact our medical team or book a confidential appointment today.