Make Your Health a Priority
"I want women everywhere to know that real love means putting yourself first and prioritizing your annual screenings.”
— Mary J. Blige
What is a Well Woman Exam?
Specially designed for a woman’s needs, the exam is part discussion and part physical exam. It also involves any testing, counseling, or immunizations required depending on your age, lifestyle, and medical history. Your Well Woman Exam is your personal health roadmap. It’s a way to help you stay healthy for the ones you love and care for. Your Well Woman exam can make a world of difference between living and thriving at your personal best.
How Does a Well Woman Exam Make a Difference?
Early detection through health screenings is the first step to the best treatments and outcomes. A Well Woman exam will provide screenings for breast, colon, and cervical cancers; osteoporosis; heavy periods and other health conditions you may be concerned about.1
Your medical tests can put you in a vulnerable position and waiting for results can be unsettling. But the relief from ultimately knowing, from being sure of what’s going on with your body, is what makes screening and testing so important. And keeping to a schedule as guided by your healthcare provider (usually annually) is part of the commitment you should make to yourself.
After all, your health is your wealth.
What to Expect at Your Well Woman Exam
Depending on your age, the Well Woman exam may cover different health topics. Let’s take a look at what you can expect.
This is likely your first Well Woman exam. Now is the time to establish open communication with your healthcare provider. Be willing to have an honest discussion about your sexual and reproductive health – no topic should be off-limits. While your Well Woman exam will be designed with your unique health in mind, you can expect it to include the following elements:
- Evaluation and Appropriate Testing. Your provider will evaluate your risk for certain diseases and take a general evaluation of your health.1
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing. This is an important part of protecting your reproductive health and fertility as it may include testing based on your age, the presence of symptoms or if you have an increased level of risk. Your provider can explain common STIs and how screening protects your health.2
- Immunizations. Vaccinations based on age and risk factors will be addressed during the visit.3
- Visual Exam of Breast & Pelvic Area. Your provider will perform a visual examination of your breasts and pelvic area when appropriate.4, 5
- Menstrual Health. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the optimum time a girl should see a gynecologist for the first time is between the ages of 13 and 15.6 The first visit will most likely be simply a regular health exam.6 Because all girls are different, menstrual periods can vary from girl to girl and it takes time for periods to regulate. However, you should be open with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing so they can make sure you get the proper care. Normal period symptoms you might experience include moodiness, trouble sleeping, food cravings, cramps in your lower abdomen and back, bloating, tenderness in your breasts and acne.7 It's important for all women to know that if the period pain you are experiencing is debilitating, it is not normal and your doctor needs to know so they can diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Section References:
- Mutch, D., “Why Annual Pap Smears Are History – But Routine Ob-Gyn Visits Are Not,” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/why-annual-pap-smears-are-history-but-routine-ob-gyn-visits-are-not
- Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021:70.
- ACOG Committee Opinion Number 755. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/10/well-woman-visit
- Pelvic Exams Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-exams
- Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems. Frequently Asked Questions. How is a clinical breast exam done? https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mammography-and-other-screening-tests-for-breast-problems
- Your First Gynecologic Visit. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/your-first-gynecologic-visit. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- Normal Menstruation. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-normal-menstruation. Accessed February 22, 2022.
Your Well Woman visits during ages 20-29 years may include family planning, contraception discussion, the beginning of cervical cancer screening and more.1 Be sure to include contraception and family planning discussions during your Well Woman exam. Your exam may include the following screenings and tests:
- Pap Test. This test examines a sample of cells from your cervix for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells. If you are 21-29 years old, Pap testing alone is recommended.2
- Pelvic Exam. Your healthcare provider will visually examine the outside of your genital area and feel your abdomen for anything out of the ordinary. An internal exam will enable your provider to better examine your reproductive organs and take any samples needed for testing.3
- Clinical/Self-Breast Exam. Your provider will touch your breasts, feeling for lumps or other unusual tissue. A self-breast exam can be performed by you at home and involves looking in a mirror and feeling each of your breasts for possible lumps, distortions, or swelling. If you find something, don’t panic. Contact your healthcare provider, who will determine what additional tests may be needed.4
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Testing. Your healthcare provider may recommend testing based on your age, sexual activity, the presence of symptoms or if you have an increased level of risk.5
- High Blood Pressure Check-Up. You should have your blood pressure checked as part of your Well Woman exam. Nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women. Some women who have never had high blood pressure develop it while they’re pregnant so it’s important to know your numbers.6
- Menstrual Health.Your periods should start to become more regular in your twenties.7 While everyone experiences different period symptoms there are some symptoms that should not be ignored. Your twenties are often the decade when many people become more aware that their symptoms may be a sign of a menstrual condition. Heavy periods, pain during sex, stomach and pelvic pain can all be signs of uterine conditions like abnormal uterine bleeding or uterine fibroids.8 It’s estimated that one in five women experience heavy periods, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding, which is marked by heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days.9 Uterine fibroids are benign growths that occur in the uterus which are also common, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50.10 Your healthcare provider can talk to you about options that can safely and effectively reduce or eliminate heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroids.
Section References:
- Well Woman Visit. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/10/Well-Woman-visit. Published October 2018. Accessed February 4, 2022.
- Mutch, D., Why Annual Pap Smears Are History – But Routine Ob-Gyn Visits Are Not. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/why-annual-pap-smears-are-history-but-routine-ob-gyn-visits-are-not
- Pelvic Exams Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-exams
- Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems. Frequently Asked Questions. How is a clinical breast exam done? https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mammography-and-other-screening-tests-for-breast-problems
- Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021:70.
- American Heart Association. Go Red for Women. High Blood Pressure. Accessed January 17, 2022. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/high-blood-pressure-and-women
- Your Menstrual Cycle. Office on Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15428-uterine-bleeding-abnormal-uterine-bleeding. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heavy menstrual bleeding. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html. Accessed March 9, 2021.
- Uterine Fibroid Fact Sheet. Office on Women’s Health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Accessed February 20, 2019.
For women ages 30-40, this may be a time in your life when you’re more sexually active, and you may have given birth or plan to become pregnant. Be sure to discuss contraception and family planning during your exam. Your Well Woman exam may include the following screenings and tests:
- Pap Test. This test examines a sample of cells from your cervix for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.1
- Pap + HPV together. Pap + HPV together combines Pap testing with HPV testing to determine whether you have human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for cervical cancer.
- Pelvic Exam. Your healthcare provider will visually examine the outside of your genital area and feel your abdomen for anything out of the ordinary. An internal exam will enable your provider to better examine your reproductive organs and take any samples needed for testing.2
- Clinical/Self-Breast Exam. Your provider will touch your breasts, feeling for lumps or other unusual tissue. A self-breast exam can be performed by you at home and involves looking in a mirror and feeling each of your breasts for possible lumps, distortions, or swelling. If you find something, don’t panic. Contact your healthcare provider, who will determine what additional tests may be needed.3
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing. The Centers for Disease Control has established guidelines for STI testing4 that your healthcare provider will follow. She or he may recommend certain screening tests based on your age, while other tests may be right for you depending on the presence of symptoms or if you have an increased level of risk.5
- High Blood Pressure Check-Up. Nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women.6 Your blood pressure may be normal for most of your life but pregnancy and other life changes may cause it to elevate.7
- Menstrual Health. Your periods in your thirties could be very similar to periods in your 20s. Some women experience perimenopause in their mid to late 30s, which is when the body starts producing less estrogen and progesterone.8 It’s estimated that one in five women experience heavy periods, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding which is marked by heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days.9 It may require double protection and can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life.Uterine fibroids are benign growths that occur in the uterus which are also common, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50.10 Your healthcare provider can talk to you about options that can safely and effectively reduce or eliminate heavy menstrual bleeding and treat uterine fibroids.
Section References:
- Cervical Cancer Screening Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer-screening
- Pelvic Exams Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-exams
- Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems. Frequently Asked Questions. How is a clinical breast exam done? https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mammography-and-other-screening-tests-for-breast-problems
- STI Treatment Guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm
- Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021:70.
- American Heart Association. Go Red for Women. High Blood Pressure. Accessed January 17, 2022. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/high-blood-pressure-and-women
- Hypertension. Clinical Updates in Women’s Health (Jan 2016). https://www.acog.org/clinical/journals-and-publications/clinical-updates/2016/01/hypertension
- Perimenopause. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heavy menstrual bleeding. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html. Accessed March 9, 2021.
- Uterine Fibroid Fact Sheet. Office on Women’s Health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Accessed February 20, 2019.
You may notice weight gain during ages 40-50 because of stress from juggling family, work, friendships, and social activities. Stress can lead to weight gain.1 So, during your next Well Woman exam, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your mental health as well as nutrition and exercise. Your Well Woman exam may include the following screenings and tests:
- Pap Test. This test examines a sample of cells from your cervix for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.2
- Pap + HPV together. Pap + HPV together combines Pap testing with HPV testing to determine whether you have human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for cervical cancer.
- Pelvic Exam. Your healthcare provider will visually examine the outside of your genital area and feel your abdomen for anything out of the ordinary. An internal exam will enable your provider to better examine your reproductive organs and take any samples needed for testing.3
- Clinical/Self-Breast Exam. Your provider will touch your breasts, feeling for lumps or other unusual tissue. A self-breast exam can be performed by you at home and involves looking in a mirror and feeling each of your breasts for possible lumps, distortions, or swelling. If you find something, don’t panic. Contact your healthcare provider, who will determine what additional tests may be needed.4
- Breast Cancer Screening/Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts to detect abnormalities that may not be obvious from a clinical exam. If you and your doctor agree, you can have a mammogram every year starting at age 40.4 Most everyone can benefit from a 3D mammogram, especially when there’s breast cancer in your family or if you have dense breast tissue.
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing. The Centers for Disease Control has established guidelines for STI testing5 that your healthcare provider will follow. She or he may recommend certain screening tests based on your age, while other tests may be right for you depending on the presence of symptoms or if you have an increased level of risk.6
- Colorectal Cancer Screening. These tests detect cancer in the colon and rectum. During a colonoscopy, the most common type of screening, a small camera is used to examine your colon. There are other colorectal cancer screening options that you may discuss with your provider.7
- High Blood Pressure Check-Up. Nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women.8 Your blood pressure may be normal for most of your life but pregnancy and other life changes may cause it to elevate.9
- Menstrual Health. While it’s totally normal to start perimenopause in your 30s, most people will begin in their 40s.10 Perimenopause can cause random, unpredictable, painful, and heavy bleeding. All of these symptoms can also be tied to abnormal uterine bleeding or fibroids so be sure to discuss any period symptoms you are experiencing with your doctor. It’s estimated that one in five women experience heavy periods, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding which is marked by heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days.11 It may require double protection and can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life.Uterine fibroids are benign growths that occur in the uterus which are also common, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50.12 Your healthcare provider can talk to you about options that can safely and effectively reduce or eliminate heavy menstrual bleeding and treat uterine fibroids. You may begin to experience menopause in your late 40s. Most experts agree a person officially has menopause when they haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months.13
Section References:
- Creagan, E.T., Stress Management. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress/faq-20058497
- Cervical Cancer Screening Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer-screening
- Pelvic Exams Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-exams
- Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems. Frequently Asked Questions. How is a clinical breast exam done? https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mammography-and-other-screening-tests-for-breast-problems
- STI Treatment Guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm
- Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021:70.
- Problems of the Digestive System Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/problems-of-the-digestive-system
- American Heart Association. Go Red for Women. High Blood Pressure. Accessed January 17, 2022. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/high-blood-pressure-and-women
- Hypertension. Clinical Updates in Women’s Health (Jan 2016). https://www.acog.org/clinical/journals-and-publications/clinical-updates/2016/01/hypertension
- Perimenopause. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heavy menstrual bleeding. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html. Accessed March 9, 2021.
- Uterine Fibroid Fact Sheet. Office on Women’s Health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Accessed February 20, 2019.
- Menopause. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397. Accessed February 22, 2022.
For women ages 50-60, this is a time when you may begin menopause. During your next Well Woman exam, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any bodily changes you’ve experienced, your questions about menopause and what you may expect. Your Well Woman exam may include the following screenings and tests:
- Pap Test. This test examines a sample of cells from your cervix for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.1
- Pap + HPV together. Pap + HPV together combines Pap testing with HPV testing to determine whether you have human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for cervical cancer.
- Pelvic Exam. Your healthcare provider will visually examine the outside of your genital area and feel your abdomen for anything out of the ordinary. An internal exam will enable your provider to better examine your reproductive organs and take any samples needed for testing.2
- Clinical/Self-Breast Exam. Your provider will touch your breasts, feeling for lumps or other unusual tissue. A self-breast exam can be performed by you at home and involves looking in a mirror and feeling each of your breasts for possible lumps, distortions, or swelling. If you find something, don’t panic. Contact your healthcare provider, who will determine what additional tests may be needed.3
- Breast Cancer Screening/Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts to detect abnormalities that may not be obvious from a clinical exam. If you and your doctor agree, you can have a mammogram every year starting at age 40.3 Most everyone can benefit from a 3D mammogram, especially when there’s breast cancer in your family or if you have dense breast tissue.
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing. The Centers for Disease Control has established guidelines for STI testing4 that your healthcare provider will follow. She or he may recommend certain screening tests based on your age, while other tests may be right for you depending on the presence of symptoms or if you have an increased level of risk.5
- Colorectal Cancer Screening. These tests detect cancer in the colon and rectum. During a colonoscopy, the most common type of screening, a small camera is used to examine your colon. There are other colorectal cancer screening options that you may discuss with your provider.6
- High Blood Pressure Check-Up. Nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women.7 Your blood pressure may be normal for most of your life but may increase considerably during or after menopause.8, 9
- Menstrual Health. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55.10 It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years.11 If you have bleeding more than a year after your last menstrual period, you should see your healthcare provider.12 This is known as post-menopausal bleeding and it could be the result of fibroids or polyps which can be treated with minimally invasive procedures like the Acessa® procedure, MyoSure® procedure, or NovaSure® procedure.13 Uterine fibroids are benign growths that occur in the uterus which are also common, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50.14 As you go through menopause, it's still important to have check-ups with your gynecologist to discuss your symptoms.
Section References:
- Cervical Cancer Screening Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer-screening
- Pelvic Exams Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-exams
- Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems. Frequently Asked Questions. How is a clinical breast exam done? https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mammography-and-other-screening-tests-for-breast-problems
- STI Treatment Guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm
- Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021:70.
- Problems of the Digestive System Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/problems-of-the-digestive-system
- American Heart Association. Go Red for Women. High Blood Pressure. Accessed January 17, 2022. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/high-blood-pressure-and-women
- Hypertension. Clinical Updates in Women’s Health (Jan 2016). https://www.acog.org/clinical/journals-and-publications/clinical-updates/2016/01/hypertension
- Maas AH, Franke HR. Women's health in menopause with a focus on hypertension. Neth Heart J. 2009;17(2):68-72. doi:10.1007/BF03086220 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2644382/
- Menopause. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- What is Menopause? National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- Postmenopausal Bleeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21549-postmenopausal-bleeding. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- Should you be concerned about post-menopausal bleeding? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/postmenopausal-bleeding-should-you-be-concerned. Accessed February 22, 2022.
- Uterine Fibroid Fact Sheet. Office on Women’s Health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Accessed February 20, 2019.
For women 60 or older, this is a time when your body undergoes changes that may include weakening of your bones, which could lead to osteoporosis.1 During your next Well Woman exam, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider about ways to strengthen your bones and lifestyle changes that can help slow down the progression of osteoporosis. Your Well Woman exam may include the following screenings and tests:
- Pap Test. This test examines a sample of cells from your cervix for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.2
- Pap + HPV together. Pap + HPV together combines Pap testing with HPV testing to determine whether you have human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for cervical cancer. Women should stop having cervical cancer screenings after age 65 if: they do not have a history of moderate or severe abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer, and they have had either three negative Pap test results in a row, two negative HPV tests in a row, or two negative co-test results in a row within the past 10 years. The most recent test should have been performed within the past 3 or 5 years, depending on the type of test.2
- Pelvic Exam. Your healthcare provider will visually examine the outside of your genital area and feel your abdomen for anything out of the ordinary. An internal exam will enable your provider to better examine your reproductive organs and take any samples needed for testing.3
- Clinical/Self-Breast Exam. Your provider will touch your breasts, feeling for lumps or other unusual tissue. A self-breast exam can be performed by you at home and involves looking in a mirror and feeling each of your breasts for possible lumps, distortions, or swelling. If you find something, don’t panic. Contact your healthcare provider, who will determine what additional tests may be needed.4
- Breast Cancer Screening/Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts to detect abnormalities that may not be obvious from a clinical exam. If you and your doctor agree, you can have a mammogram every year starting at age 40.4 Most everyone can benefit from a 3D mammogram, especially when there’s breast cancer in your family or if you have dense breast tissue.
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing. The Centers for Disease Control has established guidelines for STI testing5 that your healthcare provider will follow. She or he may recommend certain screening tests based on your age, while other tests may be right for you depending on the presence of symptoms or if you have an increased level of risk.6
- Colorectal Cancer Screening. These tests detect cancer in the colon and rectum. During a colonoscopy, the most common type of screening, a small camera is used to examine your colon. There are other colorectal cancer screening options that you may discuss with your provider.7
- Bone Density Test/Osteoporosis. The bone density test helps determine if you have osteoporosis, which can increase your chances of breaking a bone, such as a hip or shoulder. You will receive this test if you’re age 65 or older, or if you’re younger than 65 and have a risk of suffering a fracture. Your healthcare provider can discuss ways to protect your bone health, including what levels of calcium and Vitamin D are appropriate for your age.1
- High Blood Pressure Check-Up. Nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women.8 Your blood pressure may be normal for most of your life but may increase considerably during or after menopause.9, 10
- Menstrual Health. Most women in their sixties have gone through menopause and are no longer menstruating. If you have bleeding more than a year after your last menstrual period, you should see your healthcare provider. This is known as post-menopausal bleeding and it could be the result of fibroids or polyps which can be treated with minimally invasive procedures like the Acessa procedure, MyoSure procedure, or NovaSure procedure.11 Your physician may want you to continue your well woman exams post-menopause and beyond.
Section References:
- Osteoporosis Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/osteoporosis
- Cervical Cancer Screening Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer-screening
- Pelvic Exams Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-exams
- Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems. Frequently Asked Questions. How is a clinical breast exam done? https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mammography-and-other-screening-tests-for-breast-problems
- STI Treatment Guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm
- Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021:70.
- Problems of the Digestive System Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/problems-of-the-digestive-system
- American Heart Association. Go Red for Women. High Blood Pressure. Accessed January 17, 2022. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/high-blood-pressure-and-women
- Hypertension. Clinical Updates in Women’s Health (Jan 2016). https://www.acog.org/clinical/journals-and-publications/clinical-updates/2016/01/hypertension
- Maas AH, Franke HR. Women's health in menopause with a focus on hypertension. Neth Heart J. 2009;17(2):68-72. doi:10.1007/BF03086220 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2644382/
- Postmenopausal bleeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21549-postmenopausal-bleeding. Accessed February 22, 2022.
Three Stories. One Impactful Message.
Your Health is a Priority
Checkups Improve Women’s Health
While most women (88%) agree that checkups help improve health, 40% didn’t see a doctor last year. Worldwide, 61% of women — more than 1.5 million — didn’t get tested in the in the past 12 months.2
Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Screenings
A staggering number of women in the U.S. missed their annual breast and cervical cancer screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic.3
50% Did Not Schedule Screenings
A Hologic survey revealed that nearly 50 percent of the 1,000 U.S. females surveyed have not seen a medical professional for a health screening in the past year.4
Who is Hologic?
As a world leader in women’s health, we recognize the impact a woman’s health has on her, her family, and her community. With groundbreaking technology at the core, our innovations are designed to achieve exceptional clinical results, making it possible to detect, diagnose, and treat illnesses and other health conditions earlier and more effectively, saving and improving the quality of lives for millions of women.
To ensure that women’s health is prioritized, we created the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index and Project Health Equality (see below) to drive home the importance of women’s health, screenings, and access to care.
By helping to keep women healthy, we help keep the world healthy.
- Get Your Well Woman Visit Every Year. https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/everyday-healthy-living/sexual-health/get-your-Well Woman-visit-every-year
- Hologic’s Global Women’s Health Index 2020. https://hologic.womenshealthindex.com/en?atr=false
- COVID-19 impact on screening test volume through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer early detection program, January–June 2020, in the United States,” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743521001432
- The Well Woman exam survey of 1,000 U.S. females, conducted by Hologic, Inc. via Pollfish, January 2022.
The content in this piece is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Please contact your medical professional for specific advice regarding your health and treatment. This information is not intended as a product solicitation or promotion where such activities are prohibited. Because Hologic materials are distributed through websites, eBroadcasts and tradeshows, it is not always possible to control where such materials appear. For specific information on what products may be available in a particular country, please write to womenshealth@hologic.com.