If you’ve been putting off your annual well-woman exam, or if you’re new to Raleigh and looking for an OB/GYN: you’re in the right place. This visit is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health, and knowing what to expect makes it a lot easier to actually show up for it.
Here’s a thorough, honest look at what happens at a well-woman exam at Centre OB/GYN and why each piece of it matters.
What Is a Well-Woman Exam?
A well-woman exam, also called an annual GYN visit or gynecologic wellness exam, is a comprehensive preventive health appointment for women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends beginning these visits between ages 13 and 15 and continuing annually throughout adulthood.
The goal is early detection and ongoing health maintenance: catching things before they become problems, updating screenings and vaccinations, and giving you a reliable relationship with a provider who knows your health history.
Before Your Appointment: A Few Things to Do
- Schedule it on a day when you’re not menstruating if possible — heavy bleeding can interfere with Pap smear accuracy
- Avoid intercourse, vaginal products, or douching 24–48 hours beforehand
- Bring a list of your current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter products
- Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss — it’s easy to forget in the moment
- If you’re a new patient, complete any required forms ahead of time through our Patient Portal to save time at check-in
What Happens During the Visit
Health history review
Your provider will ask about your menstrual history, any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, medications you’re taking, family medical history, and anything that has changed since your last visit. This isn’t small talk; it’s how your provider catches patterns and risk factors that inform your care.
Blood pressure and general health check
Basic vitals give your provider a quick picture of overall health, including blood pressure, heart rate, and weight. Elevated blood pressure, for example, can affect medication decisions and pregnancy safety.
Breast exam
Your provider will perform a clinical breast exam to check for lumps or other changes. Based on your age and risk factors, they may also recommend a 3D mammogram, which Centre OB/GYN offers on-site in Raleigh for your convenience.
Pelvic exam
The pelvic exam includes an external visual check and an internal examination: using a speculum to view the cervix and a manual exam to assess the uterus and ovaries. The speculum portion is brief and involves mild pressure; most patients find it much less uncomfortable than they’d expected.
Pap smear and HPV testing
If you’re due for a Pap smear (generally every three years for women 21–65, or every five years with HPV co-testing), a small brush is used to collect cervical cells during the speculum exam. Results go to a lab and are communicated to you afterward. This is the primary screening tool for cervical cancer.
| “Everyone from start to finish was super nice, helpful and intentional about listening and caring. A lost trait these days and it was an awesome feeling to experience this kindness.”
— Centre OB/GYN Patient Testimonial |
Other Screenings Based on Your Age and History
Depending on your age, risk factors, and health goals, your well-woman visit may also include:
- Bone density screening (DEXA scan) — recommended for women at increased risk for osteoporosis, particularly post-menopausal women
- STI screening — especially relevant for sexually active women under 25 or women with new or multiple partners
- Blood glucose or cholesterol screening if recommended based on history
- Immunization updates — your provider can let you know if you’re current on vaccines like HPV, flu, and others
Contraception and Family Planning Conversations
Your annual exam is an ideal time to evaluate your current birth control method — whether it’s working for you, whether your needs have changed, and whether alternatives might be a better fit. Options we offer include:
- IUD placement — long-acting, highly effective, reversible; we insert right here in our Raleigh office
- Nexplanon implant — a small arm implant offering up to three years of protection
- Depo-Provera injections, oral contraceptives, patches, and rings
If you’re thinking about pregnancy, this visit is also a great time to discuss preconception health. Our obstetrics team delivers at UNC Rex Healthcare and would be glad to walk you through what to expect when you’re ready.
The Most Important Part: Actually Talking
The physical portion of your exam matters enormously, but so does the conversation. Your well-woman visit is the time to bring up anything you’ve been silently managing — pain during sex, changes in your cycle, bladder leakage, low libido, mood changes, or anything else you’ve been writing off as “probably nothing.”
Nothing you bring up will surprise your provider. And many things patients assume are insignificant turn out to be meaningful data points. This visit is designed for exactly those conversations.
| “Dr. Collins was very kind and thorough in her explanation of the procedure and her reasoning for wanting to do the procedure. She was compassionate and caring.”
— Centre OB/GYN Patient Testimonial |
Ready to Schedule Your Well-Woman Exam in Raleigh?
Centre OB/GYN is located at 4414 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 205, in the Medical Plaza at Rex building in Raleigh: convenient to most of the Triangle. We’re accepting new patients and offer same-day appointments when available.
Visit our gynecology services page to learn more, or schedule your appointment online today. We’d love to be your care team.
