Annual Well-Woman Exam Specialist
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Francine Ito, MD
OB-GYN located in South Bay, Torrance, CA
Annual well-woman exams are important for women of all ages, providing an ongoing record of care to help them stay healthy at every stage of life. Dr. Francine Ito is an OB-GYN located in Torrance, CA, providing women in the South Bay area with well-woman evaluations on an annual basis. She provides patient-centered care based on each woman’s unique needs.
Annual Well-Woman Exam Q & A
How do well-woman exams differ from “regular” physical exams from a family doctor?
Women have vastly different health needs compared to men, and those health needs can change dramatically as a woman ages and at different stages of a woman’s life. Well-woman exams performed by a gynecologist are focused specifically on women’s unique health needs, including providing the evaluations, tests, and screenings women need to enjoy optimal health at every age. Gynecologists have in-depth training in women’s health, which makes them ideal providers of annual exams aimed at helping women stay healthy throughout their lifetime.
What happens during a well-woman exam?
Well-woman exams include some of the same exams as a regular physical exam, like weight and blood pressure screenings and other important evaluations. They also include exams and evaluations specific to women’s needs, including clinical breast examinations to look for indicators of breast cancer and pelvic exams with Pap tests or HPV tests. STD testing may also be performed and guidance may be provided regarding birth control options, sexual health, menopause or other medical and health concerns. Women will also receive lifestyle and health guidance based on their specific needs and risk factors, and additional testing and medical screening may be performed or ordered based on the patient’s health history, age or other risk factors. Finally, there will be plenty of time for women to ask questions or discuss concerns about their health.
Why do I need to have an annual exam?
Annual exams provide an ongoing and regular record of a woman’s health, making it easier to spot even subtle changes that could indicate the early stages of a disease or medical condition. Plus, having an annual exam ensures each woman receives the medical screenings, testing and guidance she needs to stay as healthy as possible as she gets older. Annual well-woman exams are recommended for women of all ages to ensure optimal health and wellness.
*Individual results may vary