Your annual well-woman visit is one of the most valuable appointments you’ll have all year — but a little preparation can make it even more useful. Here’s how to get the most out of your next visit with us.
Before your appointment
Track your cycle
If you menstruate, jot down the start dates of your last few periods, along with any changes in flow, pain, or regularity. If you use a period-tracking app, even better — bring your phone.
List your medications and supplements
Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. This helps us catch any interactions and keep your chart accurate.
Write down your questions
It’s easy to forget questions once you’re in the room. Whether it’s about contraception, a new symptom, sexual health, or something that feels too awkward to bring up — write it down beforehand. We promise nothing is too small or embarrassing to ask.
Know your family history
Updates on family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer, heart disease, or diabetes help us tailor your screening recommendations.
What to avoid beforehand
- Avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal products for 24-48 hours before your visit if you’re due for a pap smear, as these can affect results
- Try not to schedule your visit during your period if you can avoid it, though it’s not a dealbreaker
- Avoid a full bladder discomfort by using the restroom right before your appointment, unless we’ve asked you to arrive with a full bladder for a specific test
During your visit
Your visit typically starts with a conversation about your health since your last visit, followed by relevant screenings — a breast exam, pelvic exam, and, depending on your age and history, a pap smear or HPV test. We’ll explain each step as we go, and you can ask us to pause or stop at any time.
This is also the time to discuss anything else on your mind: contraception changes, symptoms you’ve noticed, mental health concerns, or general preventive care questions like screenings for other conditions.
After your visit
We’ll let you know when to expect any lab or pap results and what your next steps are, if any. If everything looks routine, we’ll simply see you again next year — though of course, you’re always welcome to call sooner if something comes up.
The bottom line
A little preparation turns your annual exam from a routine box-check into a genuinely useful checkpoint for your health. Come with your questions — we’re glad to answer them.
Due for your annual exam?
Schedule a visit that’s thorough, comfortable, and entirely judgment-free.