Well-Woman Care

Did you know that certified nurse-midwives also can provide well-woman care? 
Well-woman exams include a complete physical and breast exam, with appropriate lab work, pap test, and scheduling of imaging studies if needed. We also offer counseling on preconception, family planning, general wellness labwork, evaluate gynecological concerns like abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain, and can provide referrals if needed. Our well-woman visits typically are 60 minute appointments.

How often should I have a well-woman exam?
It is recommended to have this type of appointment once a year.

What is a pap test?
A Pap test or Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. In a Pap test, a small sample of cells is removed from the cervix with a brush or spatula. Current recommendations by the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology for how often and when to have pap smear testing are the following:

• Women age 21 to 29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women who are 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred.
• Women age 30 to 65 have three options for testing. They can have both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years. They can have a Pap test alone every 3 years. Or they can have HPV testing alone every 5 years.
• After age 65, you can stop having cervical cancer screenings if you have never had abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer, and you’ve had two or three negative screening tests in a row, depending on the type of test.

*For abnormal pap results the midwife will discuss recommendations for follow up testing and/or referral.