What does a wellness exam check for?

A wellness exam (also called a well adult or well woman exam) is a preventive healthcare visit that helps monitor your overall health, catch potential issues early, and provide guidance for a healthy lifestyle. Here’s what doctors typically check during a wellness exam:

🔹 1. General Physical Health

  • Vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, temperature

  • Weight & BMI: tracking healthy weight and body composition

  • Heart and lung health: listening for irregularities

  • Skin check: moles, rashes, or other abnormalities

🔹 2. Reproductive & Sexual Health

  • Pelvic exam: checks uterus, ovaries, and vagina for abnormalities

  • Pap smear: screens for cervical cancer (usually ages 21+)

  • Breast exam: checks for lumps or other changes

  • Discussion of menstrual cycle, contraception, or fertility

🔹 3. Lab Tests & Screenings

Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor may order:

  • Blood tests: cholesterol, glucose, thyroid function, vitamin levels

  • Urine tests: kidney function, infections

  • STI screenings: if indicated

  • Bone density or hormone panels: especially for older women

🔹 4. Mental & Emotional Health

  • Screening for stress, anxiety, depression, or sleep issues

  • Counseling on stress management, coping skills, and lifestyle changes

🔹 5. Lifestyle & Preventive Guidance

  • Advice on diet, exercise, sleep, and hydration

  • Guidance on smoking cessation, alcohol use, and safe practices

  • Vaccinations and preventive measures appropriate for age

🔹 6. Personalized Health Planning

  • Creating a plan for preventive care and screenings

  • Discussing family history and risk factors

  • Planning for future reproductive, hormonal, or age-related health concerns

✅ Summary

A wellness exam is a comprehensive checkup that covers:

  • Physical health & vital signs

  • Reproductive & sexual health

  • Lab tests & screenings

  • Mental & emotional well-being

  • Lifestyle counseling & preventive guidance

💖 Tip: Think of a wellness exam as self-care for your health — a yearly check-in to listen to your body, catch problems early, and maintain long-term well-being.

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