Cervical cancer is highly preventable through screening and early intervention. Sadly, of approximately 13,000 new cases in the United States each year, around 4,000 women will die.
The holiday season reminds us to take care of others by buying gifts, preparing meals, and spending time with loved ones, but it’s easy to forget one important person: yourself.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women undergo a checkup at least once a year, so give yourself a gift by scheduling your annual well-woman exam at Desert Hills Care Center.
A well-woman exam is your yearly checkup focusing on your reproductive and overall health. During this visit, our board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Helard Ballon-Hennings, MD, FACOG, reviews your medical history, discusses any health concerns, and performs key screenings to detect issues early, when they’re easiest to treat.
Typical components of a well-woman exam include:
This internal exam checks for signs of infection, abnormal growths, or other gynecological issues.
Pap smears screen for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and precancerous cell changes that raise your risk of cervical cancer.
A manual breast exam detects lumps or other changes that could indicate early signs of cancer.
These checks assess blood pressure, weight, and other indicators of overall health.
A chance to review your birth control needs or pregnancy goals.
We may also recommend additional screenings based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. Procedures could include mammograms (breast X-rays), bone density scans, or sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings.
Many women skip their annual exam because they feel healthy or assume they don’t need one. However, these checkups are about prevention as much as they are about treatment.
Health changes can happen quietly, and regular visits allow your provider to catch early signs of illness before they become serious. For example, cervical cancer is highly preventable through Pap smears and early intervention.
Similarly, changes in blood pressure or hormone levels can point to underlying issues affecting your heart, bones, or metabolism. Your well-woman visit acts as an early warning system, helping you stay proactive, not reactive, about your health.
Your body’s needs evolve over time, and your annual exam helps us guide you through those transitions:
The focus in younger women often includes contraception, fertility planning, and menstrual health. This is also the time to discuss HPV vaccination and lifestyle habits that protect long-term wellness.
Hormone changes may begin to affect mood, energy, and menstrual cycles in those from 40 to 50. We can discuss any perimenopause issues and help manage symptoms like hot flashes or irregular bleeding.
Menopause brings shifts in bone density, heart health, and vaginal wellness. Annual visits remain essential for monitoring these changes and recommending optimal treatment.
Every phase of life brings new priorities, and your well-woman exam ensures that your care evolves with you.
Your well-woman exam is more than just a checklist. It’s an opportunity to talk openly about your physical, emotional, and sexual health.
You can discuss topics that may feel uncomfortable elsewhere, like painful periods, low libido, urinary leakage, or mood changes. These are all valid concerns, and we can offer solutions from medication and therapy to lifestyle changes or advanced treatments.
We also encourage patients to ask questions. Whether you’re wondering about fertility options, birth control side effects, or menopause management, our goal is to ensure you leave feeling informed and supported.
Women often fail to prioritize themselves, putting their partners, children, careers, and parents first. But skipping your well-woman exam means missing an opportunity to invest in yourself and your well-being.
Preventive care gives you peace of mind and empowers you to take charge of your health journey. Think of your annual exam as a yearly reset — a chance to check in with your body, celebrate your progress, and set new health goals.
We provide personalized, comprehensive care for women at every age and stage of life. We take the time to listen, educate, and partner with you to promote lasting wellness, so give yourself the gift of good health and schedule your annual exam today.
Whether it’s your first well-woman exam or a visit you’ve postponed for years, now is the perfect time to schedule it. Call or message Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, today to request an appointment.
