Comprehensive Preventive, Reproductive & Lifelong Women’s Health Care

The Well Women Clinic at AS Medical Complex provides comprehensive preventive and routine healthcare for women through different stages of life.

The clinic is designed for women who may feel well but want to review their overall health, reproductive health, screening needs, lifestyle, contraception, menstrual health, breast health, cervical health, pregnancy planning, menopause, and other age-related health concerns.

It also provides an appropriate entry point for women experiencing new symptoms who are unsure which specialist they should consult.

A well-woman visit is different from an appointment focused only on one illness.

The purpose is to look at the woman’s health more broadly and identify:

• Current health concerns

• Preventive screening needs

• Reproductive-health needs

• Lifestyle-related risks

• Family-history risks

• Vaccination needs

• Menstrual concerns

• Breast-health concerns

• Cervical-health needs

• Contraceptive requirements

• Pregnancy plans

• Menopausal symptoms

• Bone-health risks

• Cardiovascular and metabolic risks

• Mental and emotional well-being

• Conditions requiring specialist referral

The Women’s Preventive Services Initiative describes well-woman care as preventive healthcare delivered across a woman’s lifespan, including health assessment, screening, risk-factor evaluation, immunization, counseling, education, and prepregnancy care.

At AS Medical Complex, the exact services recommended during a Well Women Clinic visit should be individualized according to the woman’s age, symptoms, medical history, reproductive history, family history, medications, lifestyle, previous screening results, pregnancy plans, and personal risk factors.

Our Well Women Clinic Services

The Well Women Clinic at AS Medical Complex may provide assessment and guidance for:

• Routine women’s health checkups

• Preventive health assessment

• Gynecological health review

• Menstrual-health assessment

• Irregular periods

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Painful periods

• Missed periods

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Intermenstrual bleeding

• Premenstrual symptoms

• PCOS-related concerns

• Reproductive-health counseling

• Contraception counseling

• Family-planning advice

• Preconception counseling

• Pregnancy-planning assessment

• Sexual-health counseling

• Cervical-health assessment

• Cervical cancer screening review

• Pap test assessment where appropriate

• HPV-related counseling

• Review of abnormal cervical screening results

• Breast-health review

• Breast-cancer risk assessment

• Mammography referral where appropriate

• Breast ultrasound referral where appropriate

• Breast-lump assessment and referral

• Menopause assessment

• Perimenopause counseling

• Postmenopausal health review

• Vaginal dryness and genitourinary symptoms

• Bone-health risk assessment

• Osteoporosis-risk review

• Weight and metabolic-health assessment

• Blood-pressure assessment

• Diabetes-risk review

• Cholesterol-risk review

• Thyroid-related assessment where indicated

• Anemia-risk assessment

• Nutrition review

• Physical-activity counseling

• Mental-health screening where appropriate

• Anxiety and emotional-well-being review

• Sleep-health discussion

• Urinary-health discussion

• Urinary incontinence screening

• Vaccination-history review

• Family-history assessment

• Age-appropriate cancer-screening review

• Referral to Gynecology when treatment is required

• Referral to Breast Surgery when appropriate

• Referral to General Medicine or other specialists

• Long-term preventive-health follow-up

Not every woman requires every examination, blood test, scan, or screening procedure at every visit.

The Well Women Clinic focuses on appropriate care rather than unnecessary testing.

What Is a Well-Woman Visit?

A well-woman visit is a routine healthcare appointment focused on maintaining health and identifying preventable or treatable health concerns.

It may include:

• Medical-history review

• Reproductive-history review

• Menstrual-history review

• Family-history review

• Lifestyle assessment

• Blood-pressure measurement

• Weight assessment

• Preventive screening review

• Breast-health discussion

• Cervical-health discussion

• Contraception

• Pregnancy planning

• Menopause

• Mental-health discussion

• Immunization review

ACOG recommends that periodic well-woman care include screening, evaluation, counseling, and immunizations selected according to the woman’s age and risk factors.

Well-Woman Visit vs Gynecology Consultation

These services overlap but have different emphasis.

Well Women Clinic

Primarily focuses on:

• Preventive care

• Routine reproductive-health review

• Screening

• Health education

• Risk assessment

• Family planning

• Pregnancy preparation

• Menopause

• General women’s wellness

Gynecology Department

More specifically evaluates and treats conditions such as:

• Fibroids

• Ovarian cysts

• Endometriosis

• Severe menstrual disorders

• Pelvic masses

• Significant abnormal bleeding

• Infertility

• Pelvic infection

• Gynecological surgery

• Other diagnosed reproductive-system diseases

If the Well Women Clinic identifies a condition requiring detailed investigation or treatment, the patient can be referred to the Gynecology Department.

Health at Every Stage of a Woman’s Life

Women’s health needs change throughout life.

A preventive-care plan may therefore be different during:

• Adolescence

• Early adulthood

• Reproductive years

• Pregnancy planning

• Postpartum years

• Perimenopause

• Menopause

• Later adulthood

The WPSI Well-Woman framework specifically organizes preventive services according to life stage and individual risk.

Adolescent & Young Women’s Health

Young women may benefit from age-appropriate counseling and preventive healthcare involving:

• Menstrual health

• Period problems

• Nutrition

• Healthy weight

• Physical activity

• Vaccination

• Reproductive-health education

• Sexual-health education

• Emotional well-being

• Future reproductive health

ACOG emphasizes preventive education, guidance, and reproductive-health care beginning during adolescence.

A pelvic examination is not automatically required simply because a young woman attends a routine preventive visit.

The need for examination depends on symptoms and clinical circumstances.

Menstrual Health

Menstrual patterns vary among women.

A Well Women Clinic visit provides an opportunity to discuss:

• Cycle length

• Menstrual regularity

• Amount of bleeding

• Menstrual pain

• Missed periods

• Bleeding between periods

• Changes in the menstrual pattern

• Symptoms affecting daily life

Some menstrual changes are temporary or hormonal.

Others may be associated with conditions requiring further assessment.

Irregular Periods

Periods may become irregular because of:

• Adolescence

• Stress

• Weight changes

• PCOS

• Thyroid disorders

• Pregnancy

• Perimenopause

• Certain medicines

• Other hormonal or medical conditions

Evaluation may include:

• Menstrual history

• Pregnancy testing where relevant

• Physical examination

• Laboratory testing

• Ultrasound

• Other investigations

depending on the clinical situation.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding may be suspected when periods:

• Are unusually prolonged

• Require very frequent pad or tampon changes

• Produce large clots

• Cause significant disruption

• Lead to symptoms of anemia

Possible causes include:

• Hormonal disturbances

• Fibroids

• Adenomyosis

• Endometrial disorders

• Bleeding disorders

• Other gynecological conditions

Persistent heavy bleeding should be assessed rather than assumed to be normal.

Painful Periods

Menstrual cramps are common, but severe pain can sometimes be associated with conditions such as:

• Endometriosis

• Adenomyosis

• Fibroids

• Pelvic infection

• Other pelvic disorders

A woman should seek assessment if menstrual pain:

• Becomes increasingly severe

• Prevents normal activity

• Develops after previously painless cycles

• Is associated with infertility

• Occurs with abnormal bleeding

• Occurs with persistent pelvic pain

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – PCOS

PCOS is a common hormonal condition that can affect:

• Menstrual regularity

• Ovulation

• Fertility

• Skin

• Hair growth

• Metabolic health

Possible features include:

• Irregular periods

• Missed periods

• Acne

• Increased facial or body hair

• Weight changes

• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Diagnosis requires appropriate medical assessment.

Not every woman with irregular periods or acne has PCOS.

Women requiring detailed PCOS treatment may be referred to Gynecology and/or Endocrinology.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Abnormal bleeding may include:

• Bleeding between periods

• Bleeding after sexual intercourse

• Unexpected heavy bleeding

• Bleeding after menopause

• Persistent irregular bleeding

The cause may be benign, hormonal, medication-related, pregnancy-related, or associated with reproductive-system disease.

Persistent abnormal bleeding requires appropriate investigation.

Postmenopausal Bleeding

Any new vaginal bleeding after menopause should be medically evaluated.

Possible causes can include:

• Vaginal or endometrial thinning

• Polyps

• Hormonal effects

• Endometrial abnormalities

• Other gynecological disease

Most cases do not automatically indicate cancer, but important causes must be excluded.

Patients may require:

• Gynecological examination

• Ultrasound

• Endometrial assessment

• Hysteroscopy

• Biopsy

• Other testing

depending on clinical findings.

Cervical Health

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus.

Preventive cervical healthcare may involve:

• Screening-history review

• Pap testing when appropriate

• HPV testing according to applicable guidance

• Review of previous abnormal results

• HPV-vaccination status

• Evaluation of symptoms

Cervical cancer screening is an important preventive service, but the appropriate test and interval vary according to age, medical history, previous results, and applicable guidelines.

Pap Test

A Pap test collects cells from the cervix to look for abnormal cellular changes.

It is primarily a screening test, not a general test for all gynecological problems.

Women should follow an age- and risk-appropriate cervical screening schedule.

A woman does not necessarily need a Pap test at every annual Well Women Clinic visit.

ACOG specifically distinguishes routine well-woman care from the frequency of cervical screening.

HPV Testing

Human papillomavirus is associated with most cervical cancers.

Depending on age, health history, and current screening recommendations, cervical screening may involve:

• Cytology

• HPV testing

• A combination of methods

The appropriate strategy should follow current clinical guidance.

HPV Vaccination

HPV vaccination can help protect against infections associated with cervical and several other cancers.

A Well Women Clinic visit provides an opportunity to:

• Review HPV vaccination status

• Discuss eligibility

• Address questions about vaccination

Vaccination recommendations depend on age and previous vaccination history.

Abnormal Cervical Screening Results

An abnormal Pap or HPV test does not automatically mean that a woman has cervical cancer.

Depending on the result, management may include:

• Repeat testing

• Colposcopy

• Biopsy

• Additional Gynecology assessment

Women with previous abnormal screening results should bring their reports whenever possible.

Pelvic Examination

A pelvic examination may be useful when a woman has:

• Pelvic pain

• Abnormal bleeding

• Vaginal discharge

• A suspected pelvic mass

• Sexual-health symptoms

• Other gynecological concerns

However, a routine pelvic examination is not automatically required at every preventive visit in every asymptomatic woman.

ACOG recommends that the decision to perform a pelvic examination be based on symptoms, medical history, and shared decision-making where appropriate.

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge can be normal.

Assessment may be required when discharge becomes:

• Foul-smelling

• Unusually heavy

• Associated with itching

• Associated with burning

• Associated with pelvic pain

• Associated with bleeding

• Significantly different from usual

Possible causes include:

• Vaginal infections

• Cervical infection

• Other reproductive-health conditions

Treatment depends on the actual cause rather than the appearance of discharge alone.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can have many causes.

Possible gynecological causes include:

• Ovulation-related pain

• Ovarian cyst

• Endometriosis

• Adenomyosis

• Fibroids

• Pelvic infection

• Pregnancy-related conditions

• Other reproductive-system disease

Pelvic pain can also arise from:

• Urinary system

• Bowel

• Musculoskeletal structures

• Other medical conditions

Persistent or severe pain requires appropriate assessment.

Sexual & Reproductive Health

Women should have access to respectful and confidential discussion of reproductive and sexual-health concerns.

Topics may include:

• Contraception

• Pregnancy planning

• Sexual discomfort

• Vaginal dryness

• STI risk

• Menstrual health

• Fertility questions

The conversation should be individualized according to the woman’s needs.

Contraception Counseling

The Well Women Clinic may provide counseling about contraception.

Options can include:

• Barrier methods

• Oral contraceptive pills

• Injectable contraception

• Implants

• Intrauterine contraception

• Other appropriate methods

Selection depends on:

• Age

• Medical history

• Blood pressure

• Smoking

• Migraine history

• Previous blood clots

• Menstrual concerns

• Pregnancy plans

• Patient preference

The most appropriate contraceptive method differs between women.

Contraception Is Individualized

A method that is suitable for one woman may not be suitable for another.

Before recommending contraception, the doctor may review:

• Medical conditions

• Current medication

• Family history

• Previous contraception

• Side effects

• Menstrual pattern

• Reproductive goals

ACOG notes that a pelvic examination is not necessary before most contraceptive methods, although specific procedures such as intrauterine-device insertion involve appropriate examination.

Family Planning

Family planning includes more than contraception.

It may involve:

• Avoiding pregnancy

• Spacing pregnancies

• Planning a future pregnancy

• Discussing reproductive goals

• Reviewing health before conception

The clinic can help women make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.

Preconception Counseling

Women considering pregnancy may benefit from medical review before conception.

Preconception assessment may include:

• Medical history

• Previous pregnancy history

• Medication review

• Vaccination review

• Diabetes assessment

• Blood-pressure review

• Weight and nutrition

• Folic-acid counseling

• Genetic or family-history concerns

• Lifestyle review

• Management of chronic diseases

ACOG states that prepregnancy counseling aims to optimize maternal health and address modifiable risks before pregnancy.

Medication Review Before Pregnancy

Some medications are appropriate during pregnancy while others require:

• Dose adjustment

• Substitution

• Specialist review

Women planning pregnancy should discuss all:

• Prescription medicines

• Over-the-counter medicines

• Vitamins

• Herbal products

• Supplements

Do not stop important long-term medication independently.

Uncontrolled medical disease can also create pregnancy risks.

Chronic Disease Before Pregnancy

Women with conditions such as:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Epilepsy

• Thyroid disease

• Kidney disease

• Heart disease

• Autoimmune conditions

• Other chronic illnesses

may benefit from specialist optimization before conception.

Preconception care may therefore involve coordination with other AS Medical Complex departments.

Pregnancy Testing & Early Pregnancy

A Well Women Clinic can provide initial guidance when pregnancy is suspected.

Women with a positive pregnancy test may be referred for appropriate antenatal care.

Early pregnancy assessment becomes particularly important when there is:

• Vaginal bleeding

• Significant pelvic pain

• Previous ectopic pregnancy

• Recurrent miscarriage

• Significant medical disease

• Other high-risk factors

Breast Health

Breast health forms an important part of women’s preventive care.

A health review may include discussion of:

• New breast lumps

• Breast pain

• Nipple discharge

• Nipple inversion

• Breast skin changes

• Previous breast biopsy

• Previous imaging

• Family history of breast cancer

• Personal breast-cancer risk

ACOG includes breast-cancer risk and screening discussion as an important part of preventive women’s healthcare.

Breast Self-Awareness

Women should be familiar with the usual appearance and feel of their breasts.

Seek medical assessment for new changes such as:

• New lump

• Persistent focal thickening

• Bloody nipple discharge

• New nipple inversion

• Skin dimpling

• Persistent localized breast change

Breast self-awareness does not replace appropriate imaging or medical assessment.

Breast Examination

A clinical breast examination may be performed when indicated by:

• Symptoms

• Individual risk

• Age

• Clinical circumstances

A woman with a breast lump or other suspicious symptom may be referred to the Breast Surgery Department and appropriate imaging.

Mammography

Mammography is an important breast-cancer screening tool for appropriately selected women.

The exact age to begin, screening interval, and whether additional imaging is needed depend on:

• Individual risk

• Family history

• Previous findings

• Applicable screening guidance

• Shared decision-making

The Well Women Clinic can review whether a woman appears due for screening rather than automatically ordering the same imaging for every patient.

High-Risk Breast Cancer Assessment

Some women may have increased breast-cancer risk because of:

• Strong family history

• Previous high-risk breast lesion

• Personal history of breast cancer

• Certain inherited genetic variants

• Other recognized risk factors

These women may require a different screening strategy or Breast Surgery assessment.

Family History of Breast or Ovarian Cancer

Women should tell their doctor if close relatives have had:

• Breast cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Male breast cancer

• Multiple related cancers

• Cancer at a young age

Selected family patterns may justify more detailed hereditary cancer-risk assessment.

Menopause

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is the natural stage of life when menstrual periods permanently stop because ovarian reproductive function changes.

The years leading up to menopause are often called perimenopause.

Symptoms and their severity vary substantially between women.

Perimenopause

During perimenopause, women may experience:

• Irregular periods

• Changes in menstrual flow

• Hot flushes

• Night sweats

• Sleep disturbance

• Mood changes

• Vaginal dryness

• Changes in sexual comfort

• Urinary symptoms

Not every symptom during midlife is caused by menopause.

A medical assessment can help determine whether another condition requires investigation.

Menopause Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Hot flushes

• Night sweats

• Sleep difficulty

• Vaginal dryness

• Reduced sexual comfort

• Mood changes

• Concentration difficulties

• Menstrual changes before periods stop

Treatment should be based on symptom severity, medical history, risks, and patient preferences.

Menopause Consultation

A menopause consultation may include:

• Symptom review

• Menstrual history

• Medical history

• Cardiovascular-risk assessment

• Breast-health review

• Bone-health review

• Medication review

• Discussion of treatment options

• Lifestyle counseling

Treatment may include hormonal or non-hormonal approaches depending on the individual patient.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy can be effective for selected menopausal symptoms, but it is not appropriate for every woman.

Before considering treatment, the doctor may review:

• Age

• Time since menopause

• Symptoms

• Breast-cancer history

• Blood-clot history

• Cardiovascular history

• Liver disease

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Other relevant conditions

Treatment decisions should be individualized.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness may develop around or after menopause because of hormonal changes.

Symptoms can include:

• Dryness

• Burning

• Irritation

• Pain during intercourse

• Urinary discomfort

Different treatment options are available depending on severity and medical history.

Persistent bleeding, severe pain, or other concerning symptoms should be evaluated separately.

Urinary Health

Women may experience urinary concerns such as:

• Urinary frequency

• Urgency

• Leakage

• Recurrent urinary infections

• Burning during urination

The WPSI includes urinary-incontinence screening within women’s preventive-health recommendations.

Women with significant symptoms may require referral to:

• Gynecology

• Urology

• Physiotherapy

• Other appropriate services

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary leakage may occur with:

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Exercise

• Sudden urgency

• Other situations

Women may avoid discussing the problem because of embarrassment, but incontinence is a medical concern that can often be assessed and managed.

Treatment depends on the type and underlying cause.

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Risk

Bone health becomes particularly important as women age.

Risk of osteoporosis may be influenced by:

• Menopause

• Age

• Previous fractures

• Low body weight

• Family history

• Certain medications

• Endocrine disorders

• Other medical conditions

The Well Women Clinic may review whether further bone-health evaluation is appropriate.

DEXA Bone Density Testing

DEXA is used to assess bone mineral density.

It may be recommended according to:

• Age

• Osteoporosis risk

• Previous fracture

• Medical history

• Medication use

DEXA testing should be based on clinical indications rather than automatically performed in every younger woman.

Calcium, Vitamin D & Bone Health

Bone health depends on multiple factors, including:

• Nutrition

• Vitamin D status

• Physical activity

• Hormonal health

• Smoking

• Certain medical conditions

Supplement use should be based on individual requirements rather than assuming that every woman needs the same dose.

Cardiovascular Health in Women

Heart and vascular disease are important aspects of women’s long-term health.

A Well Women Clinic assessment may review:

• Blood pressure

• Diabetes risk

• Cholesterol

• Smoking

• Weight

• Physical activity

• Family history

Women with significant abnormalities may require General Medicine or Cardiology assessment.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be present without obvious symptoms.

Routine measurement helps identify women who may require:

• Repeat assessment

• Home monitoring

• Lifestyle measures

• Medication

• Further cardiovascular evaluation

Pregnancy plans are particularly important when reviewing antihypertensive medication.

Diabetes & Metabolic Health

Women may have increased diabetes risk because of:

• Family history

• Excess weight

• Previous gestational diabetes

• PCOS

• High blood pressure

• Other metabolic risk factors

Depending on the patient, assessment may include:

• Blood glucose

• HbA1c

• Lifestyle review

• Weight management

Women with abnormal results may be referred to General Medicine or Endocrinology.

Previous Gestational Diabetes

Women who previously developed diabetes during pregnancy can remain at increased risk of future type 2 diabetes.

Preventive follow-up should therefore continue after pregnancy.

The WPSI includes diabetes screening after pregnancy among women’s preventive-health recommendations.

Weight & Women’s Health

Body weight can influence:

• Menstrual cycles

• Fertility

• Pregnancy health

• Diabetes risk

• Cardiovascular risk

• Joint health

• Menopausal health

The objective should be overall health rather than appearance alone.

Patients requiring individualized nutritional care may be referred to the Diet & Nutrition Department.

Nutrition

A women’s health assessment may include discussion of:

• Meal quality

• Protein intake

• Iron intake

• Calcium intake

• Vitamin requirements

• Weight goals

• Pregnancy nutrition

• Menopausal nutrition

Recommendations should be adapted to the woman’s medical needs.

Anemia in Women

Women can develop anemia for several reasons, including menstrual blood loss.

Possible symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Palpitations

• Pale appearance

Heavy periods are one possible cause, but anemia should not automatically be attributed to menstruation without appropriate assessment.

Investigation may involve:

• Complete Blood Count

• Iron studies

• Menstrual assessment

• Other testing

Thyroid Health

Thyroid disorders are another possible cause of symptoms such as:

• Menstrual changes

• Fatigue

• Weight change

• Palpitations

• Heat or cold intolerance

Thyroid tests may be recommended when clinical symptoms or risk factors justify testing.

Routine thyroid testing is not necessarily required in every woman at every visit.

Mental & Emotional Well-Being

Women’s preventive healthcare should include attention to emotional health when appropriate.

Possible concerns include:

• Anxiety

• Low mood

• Stress

• Sleep disturbance

• Difficulty coping

• Relationship stress

• Postpartum emotional difficulties

• Menopause-related emotional symptoms

The WPSI includes anxiety screening within preventive-health recommendations for women and emphasizes appropriate further evaluation when screening identifies concern.

Patients may be referred to:

• Psychology

• Psychiatry

• Other appropriate mental-health services

Sleep Health

Sleep problems may be related to:

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Menopause

• Pregnancy

• Lifestyle

• Medical illness

• Sleep disorders

Women should mention:

• Persistent insomnia

• Severe snoring

• Daytime sleepiness

• Repeated waking

• Night sweats

• Other sleep concerns

so that appropriate assessment can be arranged.

Vaccination Review

A Well Women Clinic visit provides an opportunity to review vaccination status.

Relevant vaccines depend on:

• Age

• Previous vaccination

• Pregnancy plans

• Pregnancy status

• Medical conditions

• Exposure risks

• Current public-health recommendations

Vaccination should be individualized according to applicable guidance.

Health Before Pregnancy

Women hoping to become pregnant may particularly benefit from reviewing:

• Vaccinations

• Folic acid

• Medication

• Chronic disease

• Weight

• Smoking

• Alcohol exposure

• Genetic or family-history issues

ACOG specifically recommends immunization review and appropriate health optimization during prepregnancy counseling.

Family History

Family history can influence risk of several conditions.

Women should tell their doctor about close relatives with:

• Breast cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Colon cancer

• Early heart disease

• Diabetes

• Osteoporosis

• Blood clots

• Genetic conditions

This information may influence screening or referral recommendations.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention

A preventive visit may include confidential discussion of:

• STI risk

• Testing

• Prevention

• Symptoms

• Vaccination where relevant

Testing is based on individual circumstances and risk rather than automatically performing every test on every patient.

WPSI includes STI counseling among recommended women’s preventive services.

Intimate Partner Safety

Women’s healthcare should provide a safe opportunity to discuss personal safety when relevant.

The WPSI includes screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence among preventive services for women.

Any such discussion should be handled confidentially, sensitively, and according to appropriate clinical and safeguarding procedures.

Preventive Screening Is Individualized

A comprehensive Well Women Clinic does not mean ordering every available test.

Screening decisions should consider:

• Age

• Symptoms

• Family history

• Previous results

• Medical conditions

• Pregnancy status

• Individual risk

Possible screening or testing may include, when indicated:

• Blood-pressure measurement

• Blood-glucose testing

• Cholesterol assessment

• Cervical screening

• Mammography

• Bone-density testing

• Other age-appropriate preventive services

The WPSI Well-Woman Chart provides an age- and risk-based framework rather than recommending the same services for every woman.

Cancer Screening

The Well Women Clinic can help review whether a woman is due for appropriate screening for conditions such as:

• Cervical cancer

• Breast cancer

• Colorectal cancer

• Other cancers where appropriate

A screening test is intended primarily for individuals without symptoms.

A woman with symptoms requires diagnostic assessment, which may require a different test or specialist referral.

Ovarian Cancer Screening

Women sometimes ask whether a routine blood test or ultrasound can reliably screen every healthy woman for ovarian cancer.

Routine ovarian-cancer screening should not simply be added to every general women’s health package without consideration of individual risk and clinical guidance.

Women with:

• Persistent abdominal or pelvic symptoms

• Strong hereditary cancer history

• Known high-risk genetic variants

• A pelvic mass

require individualized assessment.

Gynecological Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound may be recommended when there are symptoms such as:

• Abnormal bleeding

• Pelvic pain

• Suspected fibroids

• Suspected ovarian cyst

• Pelvic mass

• Other gynecological indications

Routine ultrasound is not automatically necessary at every preventive visit.

Laboratory Testing

Depending on the woman’s symptoms and risk factors, testing may include:

• Complete Blood Count

• Blood glucose

• HbA1c

• Lipid profile

• Thyroid tests

• Iron studies

• Pregnancy testing

• Other investigations

The doctor should select tests according to clinical need.

Medication Review

Women should provide a current list of:

• Prescription medications

• Over-the-counter medication

• Vitamins

• Supplements

• Herbal products

Medication review is particularly important when:

• Planning pregnancy

• Experiencing abnormal bleeding

• Considering hormonal contraception

• Considering menopause treatment

• Managing chronic disease

Patients should not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.

What to Bring to Your Well Women Clinic Appointment

When available, bring:

• Previous medical reports

• Previous Pap or HPV reports

• Mammography reports

• Breast ultrasound reports

• Previous pelvic ultrasound

• Current medication list

• Previous laboratory results

• Vaccination records

• Details of previous pregnancies

• Relevant family medical history

Previous records can help avoid unnecessary duplication of tests.

Confidential & Respectful Care

Women should be able to discuss sensitive health concerns in an environment that is:

• Respectful

• Professional

• Private

• Non-judgmental

Questions about:

• Periods

• Fertility

• Contraception

• Sexual health

• Menopause

• Vaginal symptoms

• Urinary symptoms

are legitimate medical concerns.

When Should You Visit the Well Women Clinic?

You may consider a Well Women Clinic appointment if you:

• Want a routine women’s health checkup

• Want to review preventive screening

• Have questions about periods

• Need contraception advice

• Are planning pregnancy

• Want to review breast health

• Want to review cervical screening

• Are entering perimenopause

• Have menopausal symptoms

• Want to review bone-health risk

• Have concerns about weight or metabolic health

• Have urinary leakage

• Want a reproductive-health review

• Have a family history affecting women’s health

• Have not had preventive healthcare for a significant period

When Should You See Gynecology Instead?

A direct Gynecology appointment may be more appropriate for:

• Persistent pelvic pain

• Fibroids

• Ovarian cysts

• Suspected endometriosis

• Significant abnormal bleeding

• Infertility

• Pelvic mass

• Recurrent pregnancy loss

• Gynecological surgery

• Other diagnosed reproductive-system disease

If you are unsure, the Well Women Clinic can help determine the appropriate referral pathway.

When Is Urgent Medical Assessment Required?

Do not wait for a routine Well Women Clinic appointment if you develop:

• Very heavy vaginal bleeding with weakness or dizziness

• Severe sudden pelvic or lower abdominal pain

• Severe pain with a positive pregnancy test

• Vaginal bleeding with severe early-pregnancy pain

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe infection with high fever and pelvic pain

• Severe postpartum bleeding

• Severe pregnancy-related symptoms

• Rapid clinical deterioration

• Other potentially life-threatening symptoms

These symptoms require urgent medical or emergency assessment.

Multidisciplinary Women’s Health Care

Women’s health sometimes requires coordination between several departments.

Depending on the patient’s needs, the Well Women Clinic may coordinate referral to:

• Gynecology

• Breast Surgery

• General Medicine

• Endocrinology

• Cardiology

• Diet & Nutrition

• Radiology

• Urology

• Rheumatology

• Hematology

• Psychology

• Psychiatry

• Other relevant specialties

Examples include:

• PCOS with Gynecology and Endocrinology

• Breast lump with Breast Surgery

• Menopausal bone risk with Endocrinology or Rheumatology

• Anemia with Gynecology, General Medicine, or Hematology

• Urinary problems with Urology

• Emotional-health concerns with Psychology or Psychiatry

Long-Term Preventive Women’s Health

Preventive women’s healthcare is not a single one-time test.

Health needs change with:

• Age

• Pregnancy

• Medical history

• Menopause

• New family-history information

• Lifestyle

• Previous screening results

Regular preventive review can help keep screening, reproductive healthcare, chronic-disease prevention, and specialist follow-up aligned with the woman’s changing needs.

At AS Medical Complex, our goal is to provide women with a convenient and coordinated pathway for preventive healthcare throughout different stages of life.