Author: All About Women OB/GYN

An annual well-woman exam is an important part of preventive healthcare for women at every stage of life. This routine OB/GYN checkup focuses on overall reproductive health, early detection of potential concerns, and open conversations about your body and well-being.

Whether it’s your first visit or part of your regular care, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident as you head to your annual well-woman exam.

What Is a Well-Woman Exam?

A well-woman exam (sometimes called an annual gynecological exam) is a preventive visit with your OB/GYN or women’s health provider. Unlike problem-focused visits, this appointment will assess your general health, address any questions you might have, and screen for conditions before symptoms arise.

The exam is personalized based on your age, medical history, and individual needs.

What Happens During an Annual Gynecological Exam?

Your visit typically includes several key components, though not all exams include every element every year.

Health History & Conversation

Your provider will start by discussing topics including:

• Menstrual cycle and changes
• Sexual health and contraception
• Pregnancy planning or menopause symptoms
• Family medical history
• Any concerns, symptoms, or questions you may have

This conversation is a vital part of the visit and helps guide the rest of the exam.

Physical Exam

A general physical exam may include:

• Checking blood pressure, weight, and height
• Breast exam to check for lumps or changes
• Abdominal exam to assess pelvic organs

These checks help monitor overall health and identify early signs of potential issues.

Pelvic Exam (If Appropriate)

A pelvic exam allows your provider to examine the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. This may include:

• Visual examination of the cervix
• Bimanual exam to check the uterus and ovaries

Pelvic exams are not always required every year and are based on age, symptoms, and medical history.

Pap Smear & HPV Testing

If recommended based on your age and screening guidelines, your provider may perform:

• A Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer
• HPV testing, which checks for high-risk strains of human papillomavirus

These tests are typically done every few years, not annually, unless otherwise indicated.

Additional Screenings or Discussions

Depending on your age and health needs, your well-woman exam may also include:

• STI testing
• Birth control counseling
• Menopause management strategies
• Breast imaging referrals
• Bone health discussions
• Lifestyle guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress

Your OB/GYN checkup is also a safe space to discuss sensitive topics or concerns you may not know how to bring up.

How Often Should You Have a Well-Woman Exam?

Most women are encouraged to have an annual well-woman exam, even if Pap smears or pelvic exams are not needed every year. These visits help maintain continuity of care and support long-term health.

Your provider can recommend the right schedule based on your age and health history.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

To get the most out of your visit:

• Write down questions or concerns ahead of time
• Bring a list of medications or supplements
• Avoid scheduling during heavy menstrual flow if possible
• Be open and honest — your provider is there to help, not judge

Why Annual OB/GYN Checkups Are Important

Regular well-woman exams support:

• Early detection of health conditions
• Personalized reproductive care
• Preventive screenings and guidance
• A trusted relationship with your provider

Even when you’re feeling well, these visits play a key role in maintaining your health over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a well-woman exam the same as a Pap smear?

No. A well-woman exam is a comprehensive visit, while a Pap smear is just one test that may be included when appropriate.

Do I need a pelvic exam every year?

Not necessarily. Pelvic exams are recommended based on age, symptoms, and medical guidelines.

Does the exam hurt?

Most parts of the exam are not painful, though some women may feel brief discomfort during pelvic exams or Pap smears.

Can I still have a well-woman exam if I’m not sexually active?

Yes. Well-woman exams are important regardless of sexual activity.

If you have questions or notice changes that worry you, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Contact us today at All About Women at (703) 437-0001  to make an appointment. We’re here to help.

From month to month, you may be having different experiences with your period that make you wonder if everything is “normal.” Maybe you notice your cycle is a few days off, or your period is heavy in some months while being light during others.

Tracking a few simple details each month can help you feel more confident and in control of your health. It also encourages a sense of empowerment by enabling you to notice patterns, catch changes early, and have more productive conversations with your gynecologist or healthcare provider.

Below are some practical ways to understand what’s typical, what to track, and when it’s time to reach out for medical guidance.

What a “Normal” Period Usually Looks Like

Everyone’s body is different, but understanding what a typical menstrual cycle looks like can help you feel more reassured. Recognizing some general guidelines can reduce worry and help you feel more comfortable with your own patterns.

• Cycle length: For most adults, a regular cycle (from day 1 of one period to day 1 of the next) is about 24–38 days long.
• Bleeding days: A normal period usually lasts 2–7 days.
• Flow: Light to moderate bleeding is common. Many women may have a heavier day or two, especially at the beginning.
• Symptoms: Mild to moderate cramping, breast tenderness, mood changes, or bloating can be part of a regular cycle.

It’s also helpful to remember that “normal” falls within a range. Your cycle might be slightly shorter or longer, or your flow a bit lighter or heavier than someone else’s, but it can still be considered healthy as long as it follows a predictable pattern. If your cycle varies significantly or suddenly changes, consider discussing this with a gynecologist to understand what it means for your health.

What to Track Every Month

You don’t need a complicated system to track your period. A simple notes app, calendar, or cycle-tracking app will do. Focus on these key details:

• Start date and length of cycle: Mark day 1 of your period (first day of real bleeding). Count the days until your next period starts to find your cycle length.
• Bleeding duration: Count how many days you bleed or spot. Note if it changes significantly.
• Flow level: Track daily flow as Light (panty liner), Moderate, or Heavy (changing every 2 hours). Heavy bleeding might require a call to your provider.
• Symptoms: Record notable symptoms like cramps, headaches, or mood changes, and how they affect your daily life.
• Unexpected bleeding: Note any spotting or bleeding between periods.
• Medications and lifestyle changes: Include any new medications, birth control changes, stress, or significant lifestyle changes that might impact your cycle.

Signs Your Period May Not Be Typical

Tracking makes it easier to see when something is off. Contact your gynecologist or care provider if you notice very heavy bleeding, including:

• Periods lasting more than 7 days
• Needing to change a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours
• Passing clots that are quarter-sized or larger

Other things to watch for:

• Cycles that are shorter than 21 days or longer than 35–38 days on a regular basis
• Big swings in timing, where your cycle length varies by more than a week from month to month
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medicine, heat, or rest
• Unusual bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• No period for 3 months or longer (and you’re not pregnant, breastfeeding, or using certain hormonal methods)
• Periods that are suddenly much heavier, more painful, or more irregular than your usual pattern

These symptoms don’t always mean something serious, but they can be signs of conditions like hormonal imbalances, fibroids, thyroid issues, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or bleeding disorders. A gynecologist can help find the cause and discuss treatment options.

What Can Affect Your Period

It’s also normal for your period to shift at certain times in life or during major changes, including:

• The first few years after your period starts (puberty)
• High stress
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Intense physical training
• Going on or off hormonal birth control
• Perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause)

How Our Provider Can Help

Bringing a few months of tracking notes to your appointment will help offer a clearer picture of what’s happening. It can help:

• Confirm that your period looks healthy and typical for you
• Identify possible causes of heavy, painful, or irregular periods
• Recommend tests, treatment, or lifestyle changes if needed
• Tailor birth control or other options to your cycle and symptoms

You deserve to feel informed and supported when it comes to your menstrual health. If you have questions or notice changes that worry you, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Contact us today at All About Women at (703) 437-0001  to make an appointment. We’re here to help.

Pregnancy loss is an upending event that no one could possibly prepare for. It’s extremely challenging to describe, talk about, and navigate. Remember you’re traversing a grief experience, with some days that feel manageable and other days that don’t.

The emotional impact can be as formidable (if not more so) than the physical one. Hormones, lack of sleep, depression, and exhaustion can intensify an already devastating period in your life. But even if you feel all alone on this path, you most certainly are not.

This guide offers supportive, gentle insight into what recovery may look like and how you can take steps toward both emotional and physical healing.

Navigating a Wide Range of Emotions

Miscarriage can bring so many feelings to the surface: sadness, guilt, numbness, anger, confusion, blame, or even a sense of being outside of reality. All reactions are valid. Every person processes loss differently, and there is no “right” timeline or expression of grief.

Many women describe miscarriage as a layered experience that is not just the loss of a pregnancy, but also the loss of many hopes, plans, and the future they imagined. Add to that: Partners who share in your grief may be dealing with it in different ways, which can make communication and connection difficult but all the more important.

If you’re struggling with mixed or unexpected emotions, know this: Nothing you’re feeling is wrong, and support is available.

Physical Healing After Miscarriage

Your body needs time to recover after a pregnancy loss. Physical healing often depends on how far along the pregnancy was and whether medical treatment was needed. Common physical experiences may include:

• Cramping or mild abdominal discomfort
• Light to moderate bleeding for a few days or weeks
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Hormonal shifts that may affect mood

Most women can return to normal activities in a few days, but your provider may recommend avoiding intercourse or tampon use until bleeding has stopped and the uterus has healed. Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure recovery is progressing normally.

If you experience heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pain, or a foul-smelling discharge, contact your provider right away, as these could be signs of complications.

Prioritizing Your Mental & Emotional Well-Being

Emotional recovery often takes longer than physical recovery. Here are compassionate ways to support your mental health:

Give yourself permission to grieve

This loss is real, and it’s important to work through all your feelings. Allowing yourself space to cry, rest, or reflect is part of your healing process.

Lean on your support system

Talking to a partner, trusted friend, family member, or faith leader can help ease the emotional weight.

Seek professional guidance when needed

Therapists, counselors, and support groups can offer tools to navigate grief, anxiety, or depression. If sadness feels overwhelming or persistent, reach out — you deserve help and understanding.

Practice gentle self-care

Rest, nourish your body, get fresh air, and avoid pushing yourself too quickly. Healing is not linear, and small acts of care can make a meaningful difference.

Communicate with your doctor

Your gynecologist can help you understand what happened, discuss pregnancy planning for the future if and when you’re ready, and provide reassurance during this vulnerable time.

Seeking Additional Support After Miscarriage

It’s totally normal for emotions to ebb and flow after pregnancy loss, but some feelings may become heavier than you can carry alone. Allow yourself the support that meets the moment.

Reach out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional if you experience:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness
• Intense anxiety or panic
• Trouble sleeping or eating
• Difficulty completing daily tasks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or not wanting to continue

If You Are in Crisis or Need Immediate Help

If you ever feel unable to stay safe or are worried you might harm yourself, please seek help right away. You can:

• Call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the United States).
• If you’re in the U.S., call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• If you’re outside the U.S., find your local hotline HERE.
• Go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care center.
• Contact a trusted friend, partner, or family member and let them know you need help.

You are not alone, even in your darkest moments. Reaching out is a brave, important step toward safety and healing — it’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to ask for help.

Look to Us for Compassion and Support

Miscarriage is a deeply personal and emotional experience. Healing is absolutely possible, but it takes time, patience, and support from people who care about your well-being. If you’re recovering from pregnancy loss, remember to be gentle and patient with yourself. Lean on your support system, and work closely with your gynecologist to understand your physical and emotional needs.

Help and hope are always available, so please reach out to our care team at All About Women at (703) 437-0001 to talk more. We’re here for you!

After you give birth to that beautiful baby of yours, everything seems to be about the baby. You understood that during pregnancy, your own health was paramount in order to have a strong healthy baby. However, now that your child is born, taking care of yourself remains a priority, like focusing on the importance of postpartum check-ups.

Your Post-Pregnancy Body

Many of the discomforts and bodily changes women have in the weeks after giving birth are normal. Sometimes, though, there are warning signs or symptoms of a health issue.

In the past postpartum check-up visits were limited to one visit 4-6 weeks after birth. Now the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that new mothers see their OBGYNs several times during the 12 week period with the first one being within 3 weeks.

The Value of Seeing Doctor Multiple Times

You and our doctor will review a number of issues common in post pregnancy:

Vaginal or Abdominal Pain Issues

Your uterus and birth canal should return to its normal pre-pregnancy size during this time. Any incisions will be checked for proper healing. Pregnancy affects the bladder and intestines as well as your whole body, so your doctor will check that all your vital organs are back to pre-pregnancy condition.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a normal part of post-pregnancy, but there can always be issues. Talk with All About Women  if you are having any issues with pain. Mastitis refers to an infected milk duct that can occur causing severe pain.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is real and quite frequent after giving birth, so don’t be embarrassed to discuss any mood changes, anxiety, or depression with your doctor. Postpartum depression is a medical condition which can be treated.

Let your physician know if you are having bouts of sadness, frequently crying, excessive anxiety, panic attacks or irritability.

Preventing Future Medical Problems

If you had gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during your pregnancy, this can highlight future problems with these medical conditions.

Other Common Issues to Discuss

Many women have new issues after giving birth and they should be addressed with your doctor during these appointments.

Some of them include the following:

• Constipation and hemorrhoids
• Bleeding and vaginal discharge
• Weight loss
• Sex and birth control
• Incontinence

Postpartum check ups are designed to give your doctor a total picture of your physical, mental, and emotional health, so don’t hide anything that is bothering you.

Contact All About Women at (703) 437-0001 to make an appointment at our office in Reston and Leesburg, VA  or if you are having any postpartum issues that should be addressed.