How to Prep for Your Annual Wellness Visit

Its that time of year for your annual wellness visit (sometimes referred to as your “well woman visit” but we recognize this term is not inclusive of all folks) and you’re probably dreading the thought of waiting in a crowded lobby and answering a bunch of questions about your sex life.

We get it.

But the truth is, for folks who have a vulva, breast and uterus, this visit is important for your health regardless of your gender identity.  There’s a lot going on with our incredible bodies and sometimes we show up to the doctor’s office a little unprepared to have a real conversation— like knowing what questions to ask or how to advocate for ourselves. We’ve been there— so we want to help you go into your next annual with less anxiety and more confidence!  

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Part 1:

What’s Important in a Provider? 

It’s important to go into your appointments with a clear agenda and expectations so that your health care provider can meet your specific needs. For instance, do you want a doctor that:

1. Looks like you?

2. Is LGBTQIA affirming? 

3. Practices holistic medicine?

4. Is sex and kink positive? 

5. Is pro-choice?

If you haven’t already thought about what is important to you from your healthcare provider, now is the time! No really— open up your notes app on your smartphone and jot down 5 things that are important to you when selecting your healthcare provider. Now that we know what’s important, let's talk about what happens during a visit.

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Part 2:

The Visit— What happens

1. Overall health assessment
   (i.e. your blood pressure, weight, BMI). Do you know that you can refuse to be weighed? Yup. 

2. Contraceptive counseling
   (i.e. your birth control options, desire for pregnancy).

3. Relationship safety assessment
   (i.e. do you feel safe from violence from your partner?).

4. Mental health assessment
   (i.e. screening for depression and anxiety). 

5. Cervical cancer screening
   (i.e. a pap smear to find cervical cells that may be infected with the human papillomavirus  or other abnormal cells before they turn into cervical cancer. It is recommended to have a pap smear every 3 years). 

6. Pelvic exam
   (i.e. examining your vulva and your internal reproductive organs — your vagina, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus).   

7. Clinical breast exam
   (i.e. feeling your breasts and under your arms for lumps or other changes. Breast exams are one of the most important early breast cancer screenings.)

8. STD screening
   with a sample of your urine and/or blood. Make sure to ask to be screened for HIV and herpes! 

9. Sexual history assessment
   (i.e. # of sexual partners, use of contraceptives, types of sex you are having and with who). 

Some questions they may ask you about:

• Your family history 

  • Is there a history of breast cancer in your family? Fibroids?

• Your period  

  • Is your period frequent? Irregular? Painful? 

• Your sex life 

  • What body parts are you using during sex and how are you protecting them from sexually transmitted diseases? 

• Your birth plan or intentions for pregnancy 

  • Are you interested in getting pregnant in the next year? What are your birth control options?

• Your current sexual history and current romantic relationship 

  • Do you feel safe (free from violence) in your current romantic relationship?

• Your tobacco, alcohol and drug use 

  • Do you smoke? How often do you drink alcohol?

Pro-tips: 

• Remember YOU are the expert on your body and have the right to ask for what you want and need. No one (not even medical professionals) knows your body like you.

• If you have health insurance (thanks to the ACA!) your annual wellness visits are completely covered (meaning no out of pocket costs for you). If you are uninsured you can visit your local Planned Parenthood. 

• Hydrate so you can pee for your STD screening! 

• You can go while you’re on your period — its all up to your comfort level!

• Tell your health care provider whether or not you’ve experienced sexual trauma in the past. They should honor your request to be mindful during your sexual history assessment, pelvic exam, breast exam and pap smear. 

• Be open and honest about the types of sex you are having and with who you are having sex with so that your healthcare provider can offer you the best level of care for your situation. 

• Talk to your health care provider about PrEP to see if it is a good option for you to prevent HIV.

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So you got through your visit, have a plan to take care of yourself!

The information in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your body and medical needs are unique. Please consult a health care provider for these services!