Women should start going for a well women exam between the ages of 18 to 21, or when they become sexually active. The well women exam normally includes a urine sample, an external and internal pelvic exam, pap smear and a breast exam. Each individual exam is done as a prevention exam to make sure you are healthy. Pelvic Exam Your pelvic exam consists of four main steps: the external genital exam, the speculum exam, the pap smear test and the bimanual exam. You will lie on your back in a dressing gown with your legs in stirrups or knee rests and a sheet draped over your legs for privacy. Our physician will ask you to spread your knees, relax, breathe deeply, and try not to tense up. Our physician will visually examine the vulva and labia for any abnormalities, such as irritation, swelling, redness, cysts, or any visual indication of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). After that, a sterile medical device called a speculum will be inserted into the vagina, so the cervix will be examined. Our physician will look for any signs or irritation, atypical discharge or any indications of sexually transmitted disease. Then the pap smear test will continue. Pap Smear A pap smear is concluded to check for precancerous or cancerous cells. This is a quick procedure and can involve taking a sample of your cervical cells and testing them to verify they are healthy. This annual test is completed as its very important and necessary even if you are not experiencing any symptoms and do not have any personal concerns. Your cell sample will be sent to a laboratory to be examined with results coming back a few weeks later. Once the pap smear has been completed, your healthcare provider will remove a speculum and perform a bimanual exam to check the health of your ovaries and uterus. The primary care physician will insert a gloved and lubricated finger into the vagina with one hand. On the other hand, they will press down on your stomach for an examination. Breast Exam Breast exams are done to feel for lumps, thickening or discharge. Our primary care physician will manually check your breasts for this. Urine Sample Your primary care physician will ask you to provide a urine sample to check for kidney health, various infections and pregnancy.